Experts Advise Precautions as H1N1 Cases Rise in Delhi

August 25, 2026

New Delhi: Amid an increase in H1N1 cases in Delhi, health experts have advised people to take precautions, avoid crowded places when symptomatic and seek medical attention promptly, particularly for high-risk individuals.

Dr Dhiren Gupta, Senior Paediatrician and Co-Director, Paediatric Pulmonology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said children who develop cough or cold symptoms should ideally not be sent to school or allowed to mingle in groups.

He said children and people with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of complications.

“Those with comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung disease, asthma, or neurological issues, are at the highest risk. So, it is our duty to do everything we can to curb the spread within the community,” Gupta said.

H1N1 Symptoms More Severe in Young Children

Gupta said the virus is causing greater distress among children under five, while high fever is particularly concerning among children under two.

“About 70% of the cases are H1N1, which we know as Swine Flu. Compared to the initial outbreak in 2009, the virus is causing more distress in children under five, while high fever is troubling those under two,” he said.

He added that complications are more likely among children with underlying health conditions or those under two years of age, particularly if they stop eating or drinking and develop high fevers of 103°F or 104°F.

Gupta described the current development as an antigenic drift rather than an antigenic shift like the one seen in 2009.

“A major feature is significant body ache and high fever (103-104°F); this is a key differentiator when comparing COVID-19 or other viruses with the current influenza strain (predominantly H1N1),” he said.

High-Risk Groups Need Extra Caution

Dr Inder Mohan Chugh, Vice Chairman and HOD – Pulmonology, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Model Town, New Delhi, said children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity or certain underlying conditions are at greater risk of developing complications such as pneumonia.

He said people with diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease, cancer, asthma, COPD and other respiratory illnesses should be particularly cautious.

“Most influenza cases recover within 7-10 days, but high-risk individuals should seek medical attention promptly,” Chugh said.

Experts Advise Against Antibiotic Use for Influenza

On the use of antibiotics, Chugh said influenza is a viral infection and antibiotics do not treat it.

“Antibiotics do not treat viral influenza; appropriate antiviral treatment may be advised by a doctor, especially when started early,” he said.

Experts also recommended annual influenza vaccination, regular hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places when symptomatic, wearing a mask when necessary and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of infection and its spread.