Delhi reports over 2,300 influenza-A cases this year, including more than 1,777 H1N1 infections up to Friday. The health department on Thursday confirmed 114 H1N1 cases. The Delhi government has issued a health advisory asking people to follow respiratory etiquettes, avoid crowds and seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms after detecting rising cases of the infection.
Here are 10 key points on the situation and the Delhi government’s response:
1. Delhi’s influenza tally crosses 2,600
According to Delhi Health Department data cited in the government’s latest update, 2,602 influenza cases have been reported in the national capital this year till Friday, August 21. Of these, 2,392 were Influenza-A cases and 210 were Influenza-B cases.
2. H1N1 accounts for 1,777 cases
The Health Department said that 1,777 of the Influenza-A cases were H1N1, making it the predominant subtype in Delhi this year. The tally also includes 37 H1 cases, 138 H3 cases and 440 other Influenza-A cases.
#WATCH | Delhi | Dr Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Internal Medicine, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Medanta Gurugram, says, “We have previously experienced a pandemic in 2009 of the H1N1 outbreak, also known as swine flu. Cases typically rise every year during the monsoon months. It… pic.twitter.com/dn6Ebo3esR
— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2026
3. Health Ministry lists common symptoms
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.
ALSO READ: H1N1 Cases Are Rising Again: Symptoms, Risks, Prevention And All You Need To Know
4. Government issues health advisory
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.
Vigilance and timely treatment are very important to prevent H1N1.
The Delhi government has ensured the provision of adequate beds, doctors, medicines and medical equipment in hospitals. Also, there is a special focus on early identification of patients and timely treatment.
• Cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing… pic.twitter.com/8iEz3j0i4a
— Delhi Government (@DelhiGovDigital) August 22, 2026
5. Masks and hand hygiene recommended
The Health Department has asked people to wear masks in crowded places, wash their hands regularly with soap and water, and cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. People have also been advised not to touch their eyes and nose and to avoid spitting in public places and to keep hydrating with adequate fluids.
6. Do not self-medicate
The government advisory recommends seeking timely medical advice rather than taking medicines without consulting a doctor when influenza like symptoms develop.
7. 35 hospitals under special surveillance
The Delhi Health Department stated that 35 hospitals have been placed under special surveillance and two referral laboratories have been designated at AIIMS and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
8. Government says hospitals are prepared
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh attended a meeting chaired by Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday to review Delhi’s preparedness to deal with seasonal influenza and vector-borne diseases.
In an official statement issued after the meeting, Singh said there was no shortage of beds, doctors, medicines or essential medical equipment in the capital. He said the patient tally was being monitored and hospital arrangements were being strengthened according to requirements.The health department earlier said the Delhi State Health Mission was keeping a close watch on the influenza situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and monitoring morbidity and mortality linked to the infection.
9. Daily surveillance and monitoring underway
The state surveillance agency is tracking day-wise data of influenza, ILI and SARI cases uploaded on the IDSP-IHIP portal. A daily bulletin on this is being prepared and shared with higher authorities, the department said. Further, daily review meetings with all the chief district medical officers are also being conducted under the chairpersonship of the mission director, Delhi State Health Mission, to review the situation with regard to influenza.
10. Public awareness and training underway
Delhi authorities are stepping up efforts to prevent the spread of seasonal influenza, with civic bodies and health departments asked to increase public awareness and share prevention information.
Officials said H1N1 is the dominant influenza subtype in Delhi this year, while H3N2 was more common last year. Health facilities are conducting awareness sessions and displaying information on symptoms, prevention and treatment.
A refresher training session was also held for district health officers on August 17, covering the current influenza situation, case definitions and treatment.
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.
ALSO READ: Swine Flu Alert In Nagpur: Cases Rise To 15 In July, One Dead
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