Union Health Minister JP Nadda chairs a review meeting on the H1N1 influenza preparedness, in New Delhi on Friday
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Amid a rise in H1N1 and other influenza cases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday reviewed the prevailing situation and preparedness to deal with seasonal influenza, with a particular focus on the National Capital.The meeting was attended by Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and doctors from government hospitals in the city.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 the preparedness of healthcare facilities to manage seasonal influenza cases. He stressed the need for continued vigilance, robust surveillance and proactive preparedness, with close monitoring of influenza trends.The preparedness of healthcare facilities in Delhi was also reviewed, including the availability of hospital beds, critical-care facilities and essential supplies.Nadda emphasised the need to strengthen public awareness and follow preventive measures such as respiratory and hand hygiene. He advised people with persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, breathing difficulty or other warning signs to seek medical attention promptly.Seasonal PreparednessThe Health Ministry said the situation was being closely monitored and that it was coordinating with states and Union Territories, hospitals, laboratories and other stakeholders to ensure effective surveillance, early detection, timely clinical management and preparedness for seasonal influenza, including H1N1.Doctors said the current rise in influenza cases was not necessarily indicative of a more severe outbreak, but urged people to remain alert to warning signs and high-risk groups.Medical Superintendent of Holy Family Hospital Dr Sumit Ray said that the case load is not huge but fairly large. “We currently have 20 admitted patients of H1N1,” he said. Vulnerable PatientsDr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, said H1N1 activity is currently presenting predominantly through outpatient cases, with fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue being common features. “Most otherwise healthy patients recover with supportive care,” he said. He said doctors were particularly focused on identifying patients at risk of deterioration, including older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with diabetes, lung, heart or immune-related conditions. Antiviral medicines could be beneficial when started early in appropriate patients, while antibiotics were not useful against influenza unless a bacterial infection was suspected.Dr Rajesh Kumar, Director, Internal Medicine, Paras Health Gurugram, said changing weather, fluctuating temperatures and high humidity could favour the transmission of respiratory viruses, while travel, indoor gatherings and close contact in schools, workplaces and crowded places could further facilitate their spread.Detecting VirusHe said symptoms of H1N1 could overlap significantly with those of other respiratory infections, making it difficult to distinguish the virus on symptoms alone. “Sudden fever, cough, sore throat, body ache, headache, chills, runny nose and marked fatigue are common symptoms,” he said. Vomiting and diarrhoea could also occur in some patients. Kumar advised people with flu-like symptoms to stay home, maintain respiratory and hand hygiene, ensure good ventilation and consider wearing a well-fitting mask, particularly in crowded or poorly ventilated settings. He also recommended influenza vaccination for people at higher risk and cautioned against unnecessary antibiotics and self-medication. Kumar said hospitalisation was generally required only when complications developed, such as pneumonia, breathing difficulty, low oxygen levels or severe dehydration. H1N1 can, in some cases, lead to viral or secondary bacterial pneumonia and respiratory failure, making timely medical evaluation important when symptoms worsen.Published on August 21, 2026
