Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Amid a sharp rise in swine flu infections, the Delhi government has issued a public health advisory urging residents to follow respiratory hygiene, wear masks in crowded places and seek prompt medical attention if flu-like symptoms develop.
According to the health department, the national capital has reported more than 1,777 H1N1 (swine flu) cases so far this year, with 114 new infections recorded on Thursday alone. Overall, Delhi has logged over 2,300 Influenza-A cases in 2026, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and preparedness measures.
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The advisory recommends covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people suffering from respiratory illnesses and refraining from touching the eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily. Residents have also been advised to avoid spitting in public places and maintain adequate hydration.
People experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches or breathing difficulties have been urged to consult a doctor rather than self-medicate.
Health officials said the city is equipped to manage the seasonal surge in influenza cases. Authorities have placed 35 hospitals under special surveillance and designated two referral laboratories — at AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) — for testing and monitoring.
The government has also issued technical guidelines covering patient categorisation, treatment protocols, home care, ventilatory support and the use of masks. Hospitals and district health authorities have been instructed to strengthen screening, reporting and monitoring of influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), influenza and COVID-19 cases through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, who attended a review meeting chaired by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday, said there was no shortage of beds, doctors, medicines or critical medical equipment in the capital. He added that patient numbers were being monitored closely and hospital preparedness was being enhanced wherever required.
Official data shows Delhi has recorded 2,602 influenza cases this year, including 2,392 Influenza-A and 210 Influenza-B infections. Among the Influenza-A cases, H1N1 remains the dominant strain with 1,777 infections, followed by H3, H1 and other subtypes.
The Delhi State Health Mission said it is continuously monitoring influenza trends through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Daily reviews, awareness campaigns and training programmes for healthcare workers are also underway to strengthen the city’s response.
Health experts note that India typically experiences two annual peaks of seasonal influenza — between January and March and again during the post-monsoon season. While H1N1 is the predominant strain circulating in Delhi this year, H3N2 was the leading subtype in 2025.
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With inputs from PTI
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
