H1N1, more commonly known as swine flu, is making a comeback in Delhi after fluctuating temperatures and high humidity raised concerns among doctors and health authorities.
According to reports, Delhi had 1,777 confirmed cases of H1N1 as of 2026. Union Health Minister JP Nadda is on high alert while experts warn that H3N2 and its variants are also serious threats this season, reports The Times Of India.
Doctors have cautioned that H1N1 symptoms can overlap with those of the common cold, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, making diagnosis based on symptoms alone difficult. People, especially those in high-risk groups, are advised to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
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Common symptoms include fever, chills, persistent cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, joint pain and extreme fatigue. Some patients, particularly children, may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Severe infections can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing and require prompt medical attention.
The virus can spread more easily in crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces such as homes, schools and offices. Rainy weather may also encourage people to spend more time indoors, increasing the risk of transmission. Waning population immunity and low uptake of annual influenza vaccination may further increase vulnerability to infection.
The 2026-27 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine recommendations include protection against H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. Doctors recommend annual flu vaccination, particularly for older adults, young children and healthcare workers.
Health authorities have emphasized early detection, timely treatment and continued surveillance. In addition, washing hands frequently, wearing masks in crowds, keeping the environment ventilated and self-isolation when sick are also recommended to prevent the spread of the disease, according to the TOI.
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H1N1 became widely known during the 2009 pandemic but has since continued circulating as a seasonal influenza strain known as A(H1N1)pdm09. Doctors say seasonal shifts, temperature fluctuations and high humidity during the monsoon and post-monsoon period can contribute to the spread of influenza.
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