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New Delhi. These days, the increasing cases of swine flu i.e. influenza A (H1N1) in Delhi has increased the concern of the people. So far this year, 1777 cases of H1N1 have been reported in the capital Delhi alone. According to Delhi Health Department, 433 new cases have come in the last 14 days. This is several times more in comparison to last year in August. The number of patients coming to the OPD of hospitals with flu symptoms is also increasing. Every day, patients are coming to Delhi AIIMS, Safdarjung, RML and other hospitals with flu symptoms. They are also being tested for swine flu. Many people are finding positive in the test.

In view of the increasing cases of swine flu in Delhi, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda has held a review meeting with Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh. In this he has given instructions to strengthen the monitoring system regarding swine flu. He has also been assured of all kinds of help from the Centre. Amidst all this, it is also important to know why swine flu cases are increasing this time? Who is at greater risk?

These are the reasons for increase in swine flu cases in Delhi this time

To know about this, Aajtak.in has talked to Dr. Neeraj Nischal, Professor in the Department of Medicine at Delhi AIIMS. Dr. Neeraj said that influenza does not require only cold weather to spread. The circulation of the virus, reduced ability of people to protect themselves from the disease and the creation of an environment conducive to the spread of infection through breathing can increase the incidence of influenza.

He said that similar conditions arise in Delhi during monsoon. There are constant fluctuations in the weather. Due to rain and humidity, people spend more time in closed rooms. At many places, air conditioners run and windows and doors remain closed. If there is not proper ventilation in the room and an infected person is present there, then the virus can reach other people. However, temperature alone is not responsible for the increase of flu, the presence of the virus among people, favorable conditions for the spread of infection. The combination of these things is important, which can be the reason for the increase in cases.

Testing may also be another reason for more cases this time.

Dr. Neeraj also said that testing could be one of the reasons for the increase in cases. Earlier, the patients who were treated as normal viral fever or flu, may now be being tested for swine flu, due to which the cases are increasing. He said that to understand the increasing figures, it is also important to see how much flu testing is being done. If there are more tests, there may be a possibility of more cases.

Who need to be more careful?

Dr. Neeraj told that the elderly, small children, pregnant women, heart, lung, diabetes patients and those who have weak immunity are at greater risk from swine flu. If at this time someone is experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, low oxygen, chest pain, confusion and weakness, then one should immediately go to the hospital.

Dr. Neeraj says that do not take every fever lightly, but there is no need to panic with every fever, timely doctor's advice, correct examination and right medicine are necessary. At this time it is important to take care of hand hygiene. Eat food only after washing hands. Cover face while coughing and sneezing. If you are sick, stay home and wear a mask if necessary. Avoid coming in contact with infected people. If you are experiencing any symptoms to flu, do not take medicine on your own and consult a doctor.

What does Delhi government say?

Delhi Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh said that his government is fully prepared to deal with the current health situation, there is no shortage of beds, doctors, medicines and necessary medical equipment in hospitals and timely and correct treatment is being provided to every patient.

He told that so far this year 2026, a total of 2392 cases of influenza-A have been reported. In which H1N1 is the most prominent strain, of which 1777 cases have been reported, while H1 (37), H3 (138) and others have reported 440 cases. He said that Delhi State Health Mission is continuously keeping a close watch on the influenza situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP). Under this, the cases of ILI, SARI and influenza reported on the IDSP-IHIP portal are being monitored daily.

The Health Minister said that the Delhi government is constantly monitoring the number of patients and is strengthening necessary arrangements in hospitals as per the needs. The full report of Delhi's preparations was given by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, which includes arrangements for beds, doctors, medicines and other essential facilities in hospitals. The Union Health Minister has assured that the Central Government will provide all necessary help to the capital Delhi.

Regarding how many more cases are there this time compared to last year, the Delhi Health Department says that there is no official data as to how many times more cases are there this time compared to last year, but this year the cases of swine flu are quite high.

Union Health Ministry gave instructions to strengthen surveillance system

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda held a meeting with the Health Minister of Delhi regarding the increasing cases of swine flu. In this he gave instructions to strengthen the surveillance system regarding swine flu. The Union Health Minister also advised people to be aware and follow the rules to prevent flu. He said that if a person is showing symptoms like difficulty in breathing, he should go to the hospital.