A seasonal rise in H1N1 influenza cases across several states has raised health concerns, with Delhi reporting a significant share of influenza A infections. Of the 2,392 influenza A cases reported until August 20, 1,777 were identified as H1N1, while the combined number of influenza A and B cases reached 2,602. Health experts have urged people to remain alert without panicking and to seek medical advice when symptoms become severe.
The Indian Medical Association has advised people to avoid self-medication and cautioned against the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Dr M Ravi Kumar, senior consultant in internal medicine at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, said Bengaluru is also experiencing a sharp seasonal increase in influenza cases. However, the state health department has described the rise as part of the usual seasonal pattern rather than an unusual outbreak.
According to Dr Kumar, H1N1 infections can begin suddenly, with symptoms including high fever, chills, persistent dry cough, sore throat and a runny nose. Severe muscle or body aches, intense fatigue and headaches may also occur, while some patients can experience vomiting or diarrhoea. The symptoms can overlap with other respiratory infections, making medical assessment important when illness is significant or worsening.
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Certain symptoms require urgent medical attention because they may indicate serious complications. These include difficulty breathing, persistent chest tightness, bluish lips or nails, confusion and an inability to keep fluids down. A fever that initially improves but later returns along with a severe cough should also be treated as a warning sign requiring prompt medical evaluation.
Dr Kumar stressed that preventing transmission remains an important part of controlling seasonal influenza. People should maintain hand hygiene through regular handwashing or alcohol-based sanitisers, wear masks in crowded places and follow respiratory hygiene. Anyone who becomes unwell should isolate promptly, while parents are advised to keep children away from school until they have been free of fever for at least 48 hours.
Annual influenza vaccination was described by Dr Kumar as the most effective defence against severe illness. The vaccine is recommended particularly for higher-risk groups, including children below five years, older adults and people living with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Timely vaccination can reduce the risk of serious influenza complications, including the need for oxygen support, intensive care and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
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