Delhi is witnessing a sharp rise in seasonal flu cases, with Influenza B and H1N1 driving a surge in upper respiratory infections marked by prolonged symptoms and persistent high fever. A recent survey by LocalCircles found that swine flu symptoms—such as fever, sore throat, cough, headache, stomach issues, joint pain, and respiratory distress—have been reported in 54% of households across the city.
Symptoms of Influenza B and H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor, Program Clinical Director-Internal Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, warns that Influenza B and H1N1 (swine flu) can affect individuals across all age groups, including the elderly, adults, adolescents, and children.
Common symptoms include:
- High-grade fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body or muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Conjunctivitis
- Difficulty breathing
Dr. Kapoor further cautions that if these symptoms go unnoticed or untreated, they can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Preventing Influenza B and H1N1 (Swine Flu)
To reduce the risk of infection, individuals are advised to follow these precautionary measures:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Stay indoors if you feel unwell to prevent spreading the virus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose to minimize the risk of infection.
Who Is Most at Risk?
According to Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor, the virus poses a higher risk to certain groups, including:
- Children and the elderly (extremes of age)
- Immunocompromised individuals
- People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or lung diseases
These groups are more vulnerable to serious complications from Influenza B and H1N1.
Survey Highlights Public Concern Over COVID-Like Symptoms
A survey by LocalCircles revealed growing public anxiety as the symptoms of Influenza B and H1N1 closely resemble those of COVID-19. The findings also indicated that young children and adults over 50 are the most vulnerable to these infections.
The survey gathered over 13,000 responses from residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. Among the respondents, 63% were men, while 37% were women.
