H1N1 cases rise in Delhi-NCR; patients report falling oxygen, severe breathing issues

Delhi-NCR is witnessing a rise in H1N1 and other respiratory infections amid humid and changing weather conditions. Several people, including doctors and the head of a Delhi government hospital, have reportedly tested positive, while some patients are experiencing declining oxygen levels.

In Short

• Doctors are seeing spurt in cases of sudden fever, dry cough and severe body aches
• Some patients have reported falling oxygen levels, signalling possible serious complications
• RT-PCR testing helps confirm infection when symptoms overlap with colds

Delhi-NCR is witnessing a spurt in cases of H1N1, 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 as cases increase across the region. Doctors are seeing patients with flu-like symptoms, while some are reporting falling oxygen levels, raising concerns about more severe respiratory illness.

H1N1 can cause symptoms such as sudden fever, dry cough, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills and fatigue. In some cases, patients may develop breathing difficulties and low oxygen levels.

Doctors say people should seek medical attention if they experience breathlessness, chest pain, persistent high fever, confusion, bluish lips or worsening symptoms. Vulnerable groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions, should be particularly cautious.

With respiratory infections increasing, experts advise people to maintain hand hygiene, follow cough etiquette, avoid close contact when unwell and seek medical advice if symptoms become severe.

H1N1 CASES IN DELHI RISE SIX-FOLD

Delhi has recorded 1,349 H1N1 cases so far this year, compared with 229 during the same period last year. The sharp increase comes amid the monsoon, when respiratory infections tend to become more common.

WHO IS MORE VULNERABLE TO SEVERE ILLNESS?

While many otherwise healthy people recover from influenza, complications can be more serious in certain groups.

Older adults, young children and pregnant women are among those at higher risk. People with diabetes, chronic heart or lung disease and weakened immunity can also be more vulnerable to severe infection.

Treatment is particularly important for high-risk patients and those with moderate to severe illness. Oseltamivir is most effective when started early, ideally within the first 48 hours, while antibiotics are not routinely required for H1N1 unless there is evidence of a secondary bacterial infection.

With cases rising amid humid weather, preventive measures such as influenza vaccination, hand hygiene, cough etiquette and staying home while symptomatic can help limit the spread of infection.

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