Delhi is witnessing increased seasonal influenza activity, with 1,777 H1N1 cases reported through 20 August, 2026. Agilus Diagnostics has also recorded an H1N1 positivity rate of nearly 30 per cent among tested individuals at its Reference Laboratory over the past week.
The rise has prompted renewed emphasis on timely testing and medical evaluation, particularly as influenza symptoms can overlap with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. However, health experts have stressed that the increase does not warrant panic.
The A(H1N1)pdm09 virus associated with the 2009 pandemic continues to circulate globally as a seasonal influenza virus and is now among the viruses responsible for seasonal flu. Influenza activity can fluctuate because of weather conditions, population immunity and transmission patterns.
Testing Can Guide Care
Dr. Yoginder Pal Singh, Head – HLA and Molecular Biology, Agilus Diagnostics, said the increase highlights how quickly seasonal respiratory infections can spread, particularly in crowded and poorly ventilated environments. “Influenza symptoms can overlap with other respiratory infections, making prompt testing and medical evaluation important, especially for high-risk individuals,” he said.
According to Dr. Singh, common influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, chills and a runny or blocked nose. Since symptoms alone may not establish the cause of infection, physicians may recommend diagnostic tools such as RT-PCR testing or comprehensive respiratory panels based on an individual’s symptoms and medical history. CBC and C-reactive protein testing may also be considered where clinically appropriate.
Antiviral medicines are generally most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. High-risk individuals are therefore advised to seek medical attention promptly and take antivirals only under medical supervision. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with diabetes, heart or lung disease, asthma or compromised immunity may face a higher risk of severe influenza complications.
People experiencing difficulty breathing, persistent or high fever, chest discomfort, confusion, severe weakness, dehydration or falling oxygen saturation should seek prompt medical attention. Agilus has advised people to stay home when unwell, minimise close contact, wear masks in crowded indoor settings, maintain hand hygiene and improve ventilation. People are also advised to avoid self-medication, particularly with antibiotics and antivirals. With multiple seasonal infections potentially circulating, timely evaluation and appropriate testing remain important to ensure patients receive suitable treatment.
