'54% of Delhi households ...': Surge in swine flu, Influenza B cases; symptoms mirror coronavirus

Influenza cases

Delhi has been seeing a surge in flu cases in the last few weeks with hospitals across the city reporting a spike in patients affected by Influenza B and H1N1 (swine flu) viruses.

According to the doctors, the common symptoms that patients have been complaining about are upper respiratory tract infections, high-grade fever across age groups, and cough and fatigue lasting a couple of weeks.

A recent survey by LocalCircles revealed that 54 per cent of Delhi households have reported experiencing symptoms similar to swine flu, such as fever, sore throat, cough, headache, stomach issues, joint pain, and respiratory problems. These symptoms, which closely resemble those of coronavirus, have raised concerns among the public.

Why is Delhi seeing an increase in cases?

A CNBC report attributes the rise in cases to environmental factors, such as high pollution levels and weather changes. On Wednesday at 8 am, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 249, placing it in the "poor" category.

As people shed their winter clothing due to the changing weather, acclimatisation issues arise. Doctors recommend that temperature fluctuations promote the rapid multiplication of viruses, and transmission is further intensified by air pollution and pollen.

According to medical professionals, citizens should take precautions amid an increase in the number of patients in the hospital with symptoms like high fever, chronic cough, sore throat, and body aches. They also recommend people to take flu shots every year along with sanitising hands frequently and wearing a mask.

What is H1N1?

H1N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, a viral infection that causes respiratory tract infections in both the upper and lower airways. The pandemic strain of H1N1, known as swine flu, results from the mixing of various swine, avian, and human influenza strains.

Swine influenza can spread to humans through close contact with infected pigs. With three subtypes of swine influenza circulating worldwide—H3N2, H1N2, and H1N1—the H1N1 strain gained significant attention during the 2009 pandemic.

H1N1 is said to be curable for most individuals if treated at the earliest, further supported by rest, increased liquid consumption, and extensive medical intervention.