NEW DELHI: Delhi-NCR is witnessing a sharp rise in H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, along with other respiratory infections amid humid and changing weather conditions.
Several people, including doctors and the head of a government hospital in Delhi, have tested positive for H1N1, while medical facilities are reporting an increasing number of patients with flu-like symptoms. Some patients have also experienced falling oxygen levels, raising concerns over more severe respiratory illness.
Delhi has recorded 1,349 H1N1 cases so far this year, compared with 229 cases during the corresponding period last year, marking an almost six-fold increase.
H1N1 commonly causes sudden fever, dry cough, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills and fatigue. In more serious cases, patients may develop breathing difficulty and reduced oxygen levels.
Doctors have advised people to seek medical attention in case of breathlessness, chest pain, persistent high fever, confusion, bluish lips or worsening symptoms.
Older adults, young children, pregnant women and people suffering from diabetes, chronic heart or lung diseases or weakened immunity are considered more vulnerable to severe illness.
For high-risk patients and those with moderate to severe infection, early treatment is important. Oseltamivir is considered most effective when started within the first 48 hours, while antibiotics are generally not required unless a secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
Health experts have advised people to follow hand hygiene and cough etiquette, avoid close contact with others when unwell, stay home while symptomatic and consider influenza vaccination to reduce the risk of infection and transmission.
