For many Delhi residents, illness begins this time of the year with symptoms easy to dismiss as seasonal sickness: a cough that refuses to go away, a sore throat, body aches and a high fever that lasts for days. But this year, doctors and hospitals across Delhi are seeing more of these patients test positive for influenza, particularly H1N1 (swine flu).

Delhi has reported 2,308 H1N1 cases as of August 25, with over 600 additional influenza cases, taking the reported influenza burden to nearly 3,000, according to figures shared by Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh. The government held emergency reviews on Tuesday as the number of infections continued to rise.

The increase is particularly striking when compared with last year. Delhi had recorded 229 H1N1 cases during the corresponding period in 2025. By August 20 this year, the number had already reached 1,777, nearly eight times the 2025 figure for the same period, before rising further to 2,308 by August 25.

Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai have also reported increased influenza activity this monsoon, suggesting the rise is part of a broader seasonal pattern across several major cities.

Delhi hospitals prepare as OPDs see more flu patients

At Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP), a dedicated ward has been designated for influenza cases. The ward has seven beds, including two ventilator beds. Dr Satyajit Kumar, Head of the Department of Accidents and Emergency, said the hospital was prepared for a rise in admissions and that it had not seen any severe cases so far.

Additionally, Kumar noted that should the need arise, the hospital has also earmarked a 70-bed facility on its seventh floor, comprising 10 ICU beds and 60 High Dependency Unit beds. 

At the hospital’s OPD, doctors are seeing patients with high-grade fever and cough that persists for several days. A........

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