Delhi Records 1,777 H1N1 Cases as Hospitals Report Surge in OPD Patients
Outpatient departments across Delhi hospitals are witnessing a steady rise in patients with H1N1 symptoms, with the Capital recording 1,777 cases of the viral infection this season. The figure marks a sharp increase from the 229 cases reported during the monsoon period in 2025.
Facilities including Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have observed an influx of patients seeking medical care. Doctors noted that while most healthy adults are recovering without complications, vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions face a higher risk of severe illness. Some patients have required ventilator support due to respiratory complications.
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh confirmed the rise in cases but stated that hospitals in the city are prepared with sufficient dedicated beds. He noted that most individuals are recovering quickly and added that there is no immediate cause for concern.
Government hospitals across the Capital have established dedicated intensive care units (ICUs) and held administrative meetings to manage the influx. Dedicated wards have also been arranged where patients can be isolated for seven days.
Dr. Ramesh Chand Meena, Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said that although patient visits to the OPD have increased, no patient has yet required admission to the hospital's dedicated ICU section.
Dr. Atul Gogia, head of the infectious diseases unit at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, attributed the sudden rise in infections to recent weather changes, which have created favourable conditions for the survival and transmission of respiratory viruses. He noted that primary symptoms include high fever, severe body ache, cold, and cough, with some patients showing a mild reduction in white blood cell counts and platelets.
Dr. Vikas Mittal, director of pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital, stated that most healthy individuals recover with adequate rest, hydration, and symptomatic treatment. He advised preventive measures including annual influenza vaccination, hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining good ventilation, and staying home when symptomatic.
