54% of Delhi-NCR households report flu-like symptoms amid H1N1 surge

New Delhi: A recent survey across Delhi-NCR found that around 54% of households have at least one member experiencing flu or viral fever-like symptoms, amid a rise in H1N1 cases.

The LocalCircles survey, published on August 23, was based on 32,000 responses from Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. About 69% of respondents were men and 31% were women.

According to the findings, 23% of households had four or more members suffering from flu-like symptoms, while 16% reported two to three symptomatic members. Another 15% had at least one person with viral fever-like symptoms. Overall, the findings indicate that 39% of households had two or more members showing symptoms simultaneously, suggesting continued transmission within homes.

Delhi recorded 159 new influenza cases on August 20, including 114 H1N1 cases. The capital’s influenza-A tally this year has reached 2,392, with 1,777 H1N1 cases, making it the predominant strain. The figures also include 37 H1 cases, 138 H3 cases and 440 other influenza cases.

However, official figures may not reflect the full extent of infections, as they generally include people who sought testing or treatment at hospitals and laboratories. Those who recovered at home may not be counted.

Amid the rise in H1N1 cases, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that no new H1N1 strain has been detected in India and said there is no need for panic. The current viruses circulating in the country are similar to the A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1) pdm09-like strain and have been in circulation since 2025.

ICMR described seasonal influenza as mostly self-limiting, with most people recovering with proper care and adequate rest. However, young children, elderly people and those with underlying health conditions remain at higher risk.