Delhi-NCR is seeing a rise in flu and viral infections, with 54% of households reporting at least one person with flu-like or viral fever symptoms, according to a LocalCircles survey cited by India Today. The survey covered more than 32,000 households across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad.
Delhi's H1N1 Cases Surge
Delhi has recorded 2,392 Influenza-A cases in 2026, including 1,777 confirmed H1N1 cases according to the Delhi Health Department data. There has been a significant rise in infections, no deaths have been reported in Delhi's current H1N1 tally.
What Did the Survey Find?
The LocalCircles survey found that 23% of households had four or more members experiencing flu or viral fever like symptoms. Another 16% of the households reported two to three symptomatic members, while 15% reported at least one member with symptoms.
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Overall 39% of surveyed households had two or more members experiencing symptoms simultaneously. The survey received responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad, with about 69% of respondents being male and 31% women.
Should You Get the H1N1 Vaccine?
India Today reported that doctors are recommending the annual flu vaccine, particularly as influenza activity rises across Delhi-NCR. The report also said that vaccination is particularly relevant for people at higher risk of complications from influenza, while individual vaccination decisions should be discussed with a doctor based on age, health status and other risk factors.
No New H1N1 Strain, ICMR Says
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that the H1N1 viruses prevalent in the country are not a new strain.
Senior officials at ICMR said the H1N1 viruses isolated in the country are of A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like which belongs to clade 6B. 1A. 5a2a and subclade D.3.1.1 have been circulating in the country since 2025, according to India Today reports.
Delhi Government Reviews Preparedness
Delhi's Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh has convened a review meeting to assess the government's preparedness amid the rise in H1N1 cases. The meeting is focused on hospital preparedness, availability of beds and medicines, testing and surveillance, the India Today report said.
Senior Delhi government and MCD officials, municipal health officers and representatives of government hospitals are expected to participate in the review.
Symptoms and Treatment
The Union Health Ministry has asked people to recognise the early signs of swine flu and avoid dismissing symptoms that persist.
“Swine flu (H1N1) can show up through symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, body aches and fatigue. Recognise the signs early and don't ignore persistent symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical advice at your nearest healthcare centre," the ministry said cited by News18.
Common symptoms may include, fever, cough and sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle and joint pain, lethargy and loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhoea.
The Delhi government has advised residents to follow respiratory hygiene, avoid crowded places and seek medical advise promptly if influenza like symptoms develop. The advisory also urges people to avoid close contact with those suffering from respiratory illnesses.
Seasonal influenza typically peaks twice in India , between January and March and again during the post-monsoon period. Young children and older people with existing health conditions remain among those most vulnerable to severe infection, the health department said.
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