The national capital region is looking at a potential health crisis as cases of H1N1 and other respiratory infections have surged in the past few days. Amid the emerging situation, the Delhi Health Department reportedly held a meeting on Thursday (20th August) with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) health department and hospitals to review preparedness. The department has been instructed to step up surveillance, strengthen preparedness and implement necessary health protocols. Hospitals across the Delhi NCR have geared up to handle cases of the infection, including any complications.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda also convened a meeting with the Delhi Health Minister and officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of NCT of Delhi on Friday (21st August) to review the ongoing situation. According to the Health Ministry, Nadda reviewed the national surveillance and epidemiological situation, trends in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), testing and laboratory surveillance, and preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage seasonal influenza cases.
“The Ministry continues to coordinate with States/UTs, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders to ensure effective surveillance, early detection, timely clinical management and proactive preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1,” the Ministry said. Health authorities have urged people not to panic as the situation cannot be described as an outbreak. At the same time, people have been advised to exercise caution to avoid catching the infection.
Delhi: Union Minister JP Nadda reviews the prevailing situation and preparedness for H1N1 Influenza in the country with particular focus on the National Capital
— IANS (@ians_india) August 21, 2026
(Source: Health Ministry) pic.twitter.com/KuiR2Ivaps
Delhi health minister Pankaj Kumar Singh also attended the meeting. “A report is being prepared to assess the number of cases and the overall situation. Everything is under control. There is no need for general panic. All government hospitals have been directed to ensure adequate treatment facilities,” Singh reportedly said.
The H1N1 infection, commonly known as the Swine Flu, has spread rapidly across the Delhi NCR region, with several people, including journalists and health professionals, testing positive for the infection. Patients are reporting flu-like symptoms and falling oxygen levels, indicating the severity of the respiratory illness.
I tested positive for H1N1 last evening. My fever was 103 for two days & over the past 72 hours, I experienced intense body aches, delirium and nausea. This is my second hospitalisation this month, first being for severe rhinitis
— Rohan Dua (@rohanduaT02) August 21, 2026
Being given Tamiflu
Only prayers alone work🕉️ pic.twitter.com/FltwtyExfT
A look at the numbers shows a sharp increase in the cases of Swine Flu this year compared to last year. Delhi has recorded over 1700 H1N1 infection cases so far this year compared to 229 cases during the corresponding period last year. Humid weather amid the monsoon seems to have exacerbated the situation.
What is H1N1 infection?
H1N1 is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Its symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In some cases, patients can develop breathing difficulties and low oxygen levels. People are advised to seek medical attention if they experience breathlessness, chest pain, persistent high fever, confusion, bluish lips or worsening symptoms.
Since the infection is contagious, its spread can be prevented by following basic hygiene, including washing hands and avoiding touch, following cough etiquette, avoiding close contact with others when unwell, staying home while symptomatic and seeking medical advice if symptoms become severe. Influenza vaccination can also help reduce the risk of infection and complications.
The infection shows influenza-like symptoms in healthy people, who recover faster. In elderly people, children, pregnant women and people with conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart or lung disease, or weakened immunity are at greater risk of severe illness. In cases of high-risk patients and those with moderate to severe disease, treatment plays an important role.
