Delhi reports 2,308 H1N1 cases: Is there a reason to worry? Experts explain

Signalling an alert situation, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the national capital reported around 3,000 influenza cases this year, including 2,308 H1N1 infections.

Underscoring the urgency of the condition, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has called for an emergency review meeting to assess the circumstances.

"There is no problem of doctors, staff or medicines. The chief minister has called an emergency review meeting. I assure you there is no problem; everything is under control," Singh said.

The minister said there is no need to panic and officials are looking at the arrangements and preparedness for H1N1, or seasonal influenza, as well as vector-borne diseases in Delhi.

"Isolation wards have been created in every hospital. If any patient complains of not being provided a bed, action will be taken against the hospital," the minister said.

Speaking to PTI, former WHO chief scientist and former ICMR director general Dr Soumya Swaminathan said H1N1 is a known strain of influenza and not a new virus.

"There is no evidence of a major antigenic shift or that the virus has become more virulent or dangerous," Dr Swaminathan said, adding that the recent increase in cases was consistent with seasonal influenza activity, particularly during the monsoon and winter months. She also said most people recover with adequate rest, fluids, and symptomatic treatment.

Former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria assured the public that the H1N1 cases currently rising in Delhi are expected to decline as the monsoon recedes. He also advised people, especially those in high-risk groups, to take precautions against influenza infection.

"The important point is not to panic over every fever or cough, but also not to dismiss symptoms that are worsening rapidly. If fever persists, the cough becomes more severe, breathing becomes difficult, or the fatigue seems disproportionate to a usual cold, medical advice should be sought. This is particularly important for older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, cancer or weakened immunity. For those at higher risk, early consultation is especially important because antiviral treatment is most effective when started within the first 48 hours of symptoms," says Dr Sandeep S Reddy, consultant, department of infectious diseases, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru. 

H1N1 symptoms to look out for:

According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms usually start quickly and can include:

Fever, but not always.

Aching muscles.

Chills and sweats.

Cough.

Sore throat.

Runny or stuffy nose.

Watery, red eyes.

Eye pain.

Body aches.

Headache.

Tiredness and weakness.

Diarrhoea.

Feeling sick to the stomach and vomiting, but this is more common in children than adults.

For more information, consult a health expert.