H1N1 cases cross 1,700 in Delhi: 70-bed ward ready as doctors flag those most at risk

Delhi is stepping up its preparedness for H1N1 influenza as cases continue to rise in the national capital, with hospitals setting up dedicated beds and the Directorate of Education issuing preventive guidelines to schools. Doctors have warned that children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to severe infection.

Delhi has recorded more than 2,300 Influenza-A cases this year, including 1,777 H1N1 cases till August 20. As many as 114 H1N1 cases were reported on Thursday alone, according to health department data.

At Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP), a seven-bed isolation ward has been prepared for swine flu patients. Dr Satyajit Kumar, HOD, Accident and Emergency, said five of the beds are high-dependency beds, while two are equipped with ventilators.

The hospital has also prepared a larger facility if patient numbers increase. A 70-bed ward on the seventh floor has been earmarked, with 10 ICU beds and 60 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also chaired a Health Department meeting on the government's preparedness amid the rise in flu cases. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh and other officials attended the meeting.

Singh said the situation was under control and that there was no shortage of beds, medicines or doctors. He said patients arriving with high fever were being treated and discharged after recovery.

Children, elderly among those at higher risk

Doctors have cautioned that some groups need closer monitoring as H1N1 spreads.

Dr Anil Gomber, MD, Yatharth Hospital, said children could be particularly vulnerable because the infection spreads through droplets and air and can move quickly among children in close contact. He stressed the need for extra care for children who already have other illnesses.

Doctors have also identified elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions as groups at greater risk of severe infection.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, chills, fatigue, runny nose and nasal congestion. Children may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Most patients with uncomplicated influenza can be managed without hospitalisation. Doctors said admission may be required if a patient develops pneumonia, breathing difficulty, reduced oxygen saturation, persistent high fever or a worsening of an existing medical condition.

Delhi schools told to step up precautions

The Delhi Directorate of Education has issued an advisory to government, aided and private schools to strengthen awareness and preparedness against seasonal influenza and H1N1.

Schools have been asked to promote hand and respiratory hygiene, maintain distance from symptomatic people, use masks when necessary, ensure regular cleaning and ventilation, and discourage spitting and frequent face-touching.

Students have also been advised to stay hydrated, eat nutritious food and get adequate rest. Schools have been told to discourage self-medication, particularly the use of antibiotics without medical advice.

The advisory calls for awareness campaigns through school assemblies, classrooms, notice boards, communication with parents and digital platforms under a “Healthy School – Healthy Community” approach.

H1N1 dominant among Influenza-A cases

ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl said respiratory surveillance indicates that H1N1 is circulating widely. Among Influenza-A cases being observed, H1N1 accounts for around 97-98 per cent of infections.

Influenza B, specifically the Victoria lineage, is also circulating, while SARS-CoV-2 cases have been declining after previously being reported at higher levels.

Bahl said the H1N1 virus originated from the virus earlier known as swine flu and was responsible for the 2009 pandemic. He added that minor mutations occur in the virus every year, but the current circulation does not represent a new strain.

Doctors urge vaccination, caution against self-medication

The rise in cases has also renewed interest in seasonal influenza vaccination, particularly among high-risk people and families with children or elderly members, Dr Gopal said.

Dr Satish Koul, internal medicine specialist at Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, said a seasonal influenza vaccine is available and a new strain-specific vaccine is released annually around September-October. He said vaccination is particularly important for people above 65, although there is no specific age limit for vaccination.

Koul said the vaccine offers an estimated 40-50 per cent protection and can also help reduce the severity of infection.

Testing for H1N1 is widely available, according to Dr Bibhu Anand, physician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He said testing at private hospitals generally costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000, while a full respiratory BioFire panel can cost between Rs 9,000 and Rs 15,000. Testing at government hospitals is available at an almost negligible cost, he said.

Dr Anand added that multiplex PCR testing is available only at restricted laboratories and that the decision to test should depend on symptoms, clinical presentation and the treating physician's assessment.

Doctors have advised people not to self-medicate, particularly with antibiotics, and not to delay medical attention when symptoms worsen.

Severe breathlessness, persistent chest pain, oxygen saturation below 94 per cent, confusion, bluish lips or fingertips, or fever returning after an initial recovery are among the warning signs for which medical attention should be sought.

Health experts have also advised maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, avoiding close contact with infected people and staying home or isolating when unwell.