Delhi H1N1 cases rise six-fold, doctors urge high-risk groups to consider flu shots

Delhi has logged a six-fold rise in H1N1 cases, with hospitals seeing more flu consultations. Doctors say high-risk groups should seek timely care and consider seasonal vaccination.

In Short

• Over 1,777 H1N1 cases reported till August 20, 6 times more than last year
• Hospitals see 22-25% increase in patients with flu-like symptoms
• Doctors urge preventive vaccination and caution against self-medication

Delhi has recorded more than 1,777 H1N1 cases till August 20, over six times the 229 cases reported during the corresponding period last year, with doctors urging children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses to take precautions and consider seasonal influenza vaccination.

The city has recorded over 2,300 Influenza-A cases this year, including 114 H1N1 cases reported on Thursday alone, according to health department data. Doctors said hospitals across Delhi-NCR are also seeing an increase in patients seeking consultation for flu-like symptoms.

"The rise in H1N1 cases has brought preventive vaccination back into the conversation," said Dr Bharat Gopal, senior director, respiratory and sleep medicine, Medanta Mediclinic, Defence Colony and Medanta-The Medicity.

He said more people, particularly high-risk individuals and families with children or elderly members, have been enquiring about seasonal influenza vaccination.

MORE PATIENTS SEEKING MEDICAL HELP

Doctors said the rise in cases is also being reflected in hospital visits.

"The number of patients has increased by around five to six in the past week, translating into a 22-25 per cent rise," said Dr Aakashneel Bhattacharya, consultant, infectious disease, Paras Health, Gurugram.

At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, around eight to 10 patients with flu-like symptoms are visiting the clinic every day, while two to three patients with more serious flu illness are being admitted, said Dr Arvind Aggarwal, director, internal medicine.

At Apollo Spectra Hospital, Dr Ali Sher, senior consultant, internal medicine, said the hospital had also seen an increase in patients seeking consultation for flu-like symptoms, including some with serious respiratory complaints.

Doctors said children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to severe influenza infection.

COMMON SYMPTOMS, WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, chills, fatigue, runny nose and nasal congestion. Some patients, particularly children, may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Most patients with uncomplicated influenza can be treated on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalisation, doctors said. Admission is generally considered when patients develop pneumonia, breathing difficulties, reduced oxygen saturation, persistent high fever or worsening of an existing medical condition.

"We are seeing both patterns. Many patients are seeking medical advice early because of increased awareness about H1N1, while some continue to delay consultation and arrive only when symptoms become persistent or severe," Dr Gopal said.

Dr Ali Sher said some patients continue to delay consultation and resort to self-treatment until their condition worsens.

Doctors cautioned against self-medication, particularly taking antibiotics without medical advice, and warned that delayed treatment can allow influenza to progress to pneumonia and other respiratory complications in high-risk patients.

They advised people to seek medical attention for severe breathlessness, persistent chest pain, oxygen saturation below 94 per cent, confusion, bluish lips or fingertips, or fever that returns after initially improving.

H1N1 TESTING

Dr Bibhu Anand, physician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said H1N1 testing is widely available at hospitals and diagnostic centres.

Testing at private hospitals generally costs Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000, while a full respiratory BioFire panel can cost Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000, he said. In government hospitals, the cost is "almost negligible".

Dr Anand said multiplex PCR testing is available only at select laboratories and that the decision to test should be based on symptoms, clinical presentation and the treating physician's assessment.

Doctors also advised hand and respiratory hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, avoiding close contact with infected people, and staying home or isolating when unwell.

- Ends