With H1N1 cases rising in the Capital, outpatient departments (OPDs) at hospitals are seeing an increasing number of patients with symptoms of the viral infection.

Doctors said that while most healthy adults are recovering without complications, vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children and people with pre-existing conditions, are at risk of developing serious complications.

Some patients have also required ventilator support due to respiratory complications, they added. Delhi has recorded 1,777 cases this season, compared with 229 cases during the monsoon in 2025.

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said there has been an increase in cases, but hospitals are adequately prepared and had sufficient dedicated beds. “Most people are recovering soon and there is no immediate cause for concern,” he said.

Vulnerable patients

Government hospitals across the Capital have set up dedicated intensive care units (ICUs), and senior doctors said meetings have been held to discuss the increase in cases. Separate wards are also being set up where patients can be isolated for seven days.

Dr. Ramesh Chand Meena, Associate Professor at the Department of Medicine of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said that while the number of patients visiting the OPD has increased, no patient has yet been admitted to the dedicated ICU section.

Dr. Atul Gogia, head of the infectious diseases unit at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, attributed the sudden surge to weather changes, which he said created conditions conducive to the survival and spread of respiratory viruses.

“The primary symptoms include high fever, severe body ache, cold and cough, with mild reduction in white cell counts and platelets in some patients,” he said.

‘Recovering with rest’

Dr. Vikas Mittal, director of pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital, said most healthy individuals recovered with rest, hydration and symptomatic treatment.

“Prevention includes annual influenza vaccination, hand hygiene, masking in crowded spaces, good ventilation and staying home when symptomatic,” he added.

Published - August 23, 2026 01:21 am IST