Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 24: Delhi is stepping up its preparedness as H1N1 and other influenza cases continue to rise in the city. Health Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh will be chairing a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Friday afternoon. Senior Government officials, MCD health officers and representatives from government hospitals are also expected to attend the preparedness meeting.
The review will focus on whether Delhi’s hospitals are adequately prepared to handle a possible increase in flu cases. Officials will assess the availability of hospital beds, medicines, doctors, medical equipment and other essential facilities.
Testing and surveillance systems for H1N1 cases will also be discussed.
Reportedly, Delhi has reported 159 new influenza cases on August 20. This included 114 H1N1 infections. With this, Delhi’s H1N1 tally for 2026 rose to 1,777.
Overall, Delhi has recorded 2,602 influenza cases this year. Of these, 2,392 are Influenza A cases and 210 are Influenza B cases. Notably, H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A and is commonly referred to as swine flu.
Who should consider an H1N1 test?
Now everyone with a fever or cough necessarily needs an influenza test. Doctors may diagnose and manage mild cases based on symptoms,especially when flu is circulating widely.
Testing becomes more important when symptoms are severe, worsening or likely to require hospital care. People at higher risk, including pregnant women, older adults, young children and those with conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, should seek medical advice early.
A doctor may also recommend testing when there is breathing difficulty, low oxygen levels, pneumonia like symptoms, dehydration or known exposure to someone with influenza.
How is the test done?
Influenza is generally diagnosed using a respiratory swab rather than a blood test. A healthcare worker collects a sample from the nose or throat, depending on the test being used.
Molecular tests, including RT-PCR, can provide more sensitive results than rapid antigen tests. In case a rapid test is negative but symptoms strongly suggest otherwise, doctors advise for a more sensitive test.
Samples are generally most useful when collected during the first few days of illness, when viral levels are higher. However, people who are seriously ill should not delay medical care while waiting for testing.
When should one seek urgent help?
People with difficulty breathing, chest pain, weakness, persistent vomiting, dehydration or worsening symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Further, antibiotics should not be taken without medical advice, as they do not treat influenza. Depending on the patient’s condition and risk factors, a doctor may consider antiviral treatment such as oseltamivir.
