Delhi H1N1 Surge: Over 2,300 Cases Reported, School Alert Issued, ICMR Says No Need To Panic

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Delhi has reported over 2,300 positive H1N1 cases alongside around 650 flu cases in recent months. The health department confirmed that the situation remains under control, with adequate doctors and medicines available across healthcare facilities. Amid the rising infections, the government issued an H1N1 health alert for government, government-aided, and private schools. The education department instructed institutions to step up awareness and observe basic precautions, while advising students to watch for symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, headache, and breathing difficulties. Officials noted that H1N1 remains the dominant strain among circulating influenza A viruses, alongside influenza B and mild COVID cases. Health authorities clarified that the virus has undergone minor mutations without any critical antigenic drift. Testing through RTPCR is not mandatory for everyone, nor is hospitalization required for the vast majority of patients. Medical guidelines emphasize resting for two to three days and avoiding unadvised antivirals or unnecessary panic, with vaccines advised primarily for high-risk groups and senior citizens.