Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Unexplained COVID-Like Fever, Cold Cases Spike In Delhi – Should You Rest Or Rush To The Doctor?

The changing season and confusing weather patterns in Delhi has brought in an outbreak of respiratory diseases, with flu, COVID-19, and other viral infections precipitating a mammoth health crisis. The cold, dry air of the season lowers immune levels, and greater indoor interactions make it easy for viruses to spread quickly. This has resulted in a massive spike in flu and COVID-19 cases, putting healthcare facilities under pressure and leaving many residents struggling with long-term illnesses.

Ever since February 2025, Delhi-NCR has seen a steep rise in flu cases, sending medical professionals into a tizzy. Hospitals are filled with patients presenting with symptoms such as fever, cough that lasts for days, body pains, and intense fatigue. Unlike earlier flu seasons, symptoms now last longer—usually up to 10 days compared to the typical 5-7 days.

A recent survey by LocalCircles provides insight into the extent of the crisis. With more than 13,000 responses from residents in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, results show that 54% of families have one or more members suffering from flu-like symptoms. This is a stark increase from August 2024, when just 38% of families reported the same illnesses.

<h2>Why is This Flu Season More Severe?</h2>

There are a number of reasons why there is such a viral flu in Delhi this year. The cold weather has pushed more individuals indoors, where there is greater close contact and the viruses can more easily spread. Also, seasonal changes tend to compromise the immune system, and people become more vulnerable to infections. Another issue of concern is the co-circulation of several viruses not just in India but worldwide, such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. This overlap has caused diagnostic confusion and management, as the symptoms tend to simulate each other. In addition, the development of new viral mutations has caused infections to be more extended and serious, putting a bigger burden on healthcare facilities and hospitalizing patients more often.

Although anyone can contract the flu, some groups are more susceptible to serious complications. Older people, particularly those aged 50 years and older, are at greater risk from immune decline due to age, making it more difficult for their bodies to resist infection. Young children and infants are also at increased risk since their immune systems have not yet fully developed. Those with existing conditions like asthma, hypertension, diabetes, COPD, or cardiovascular disease are more likely to suffer from severe complications of the flu. Besides this, people whose immune systems have been compromised through the treatment for chronic diseases or autoimmune disorders also have a greater likelihood of facing long-term sickness and hospitalization.

<h2>Increasing Swine Flu Case Threat</h2>

Aiding the crisis, cases of swine flu (H1N1) have increased in Delhi-NCR. The signs—fever, sore throat, cough, and tiredness—are the same as COVID-19, making diagnosis difficult. Hospitals have witnessed an uptick in pneumonia and bronchitis cases due to extreme infections. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), more than 20,000 individuals in India have been infected with swine flu, and 347 deaths have been reported until December 2024.

As the number of flu cases increases, residents need to know when to go for professional medical attention.

<strong>Mild Cases:</strong> When symptoms are fever, body pains, cough, and mild weakness, home treatment with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter drugs might be enough.

<strong>Severe Cases: </strong>When symptoms last longer than 10 days or get worse (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, or dehydration), prompt medical care is required.

<strong>Hospitalization Required: </strong>Those with underlying medical conditions need to receive immediate medical attention at the onset of symptoms to avoid serious complications.

<h2>How to Protect Yourself and Others?</h2>

Considering the severity of this flu season, taking preventive steps can minimize transmission:

<strong>Get Vaccinated:</strong> Getting an annual flu shot can give immunity against the most prevalent viral strains.

<strong>Wear Masks in Public Places</strong>: This minimizes the risk of airborne transmission.

<strong>Practice Good Hygiene: </strong>Hand washing more often, using sanitizers, and avoiding face touching can avoid infections.

<strong>Improve Indoor Air Quality: </strong>Humidifiers and air purifiers can reduce the survival of viruses indoors.

<strong>Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:</strong> Balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep can enhance immune responses.

Health authorities in Delhi are asking people to take the flu season seriously. Hospitals are redoubling measures to cope with the large patient influx, and government agencies are stepping up surveillance and vaccination campaigns. Public health officials are also trying to understand why this season has witnessed such a sharp increase in cases and if new viral strains are at play.

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The changing season and confusing weather patterns in Delhi has brought in an outbreak of respiratory diseases, with flu, COVID-19, and other viral infections precipitating a mammoth health crisis. The cold, dry air of the season lowers immune levels, and greater indoor interactions make it easy for viruses to spread quickly. This has resulted in a massive spike in flu and COVID-19 cases, putting healthcare facilities under pressure and leaving many residents struggling with long-term illnesses.Ever since February 2025, Delhi-NCR has seen a steep rise in flu cases, sending medical professionals into a tizzy. Hospitals are filled with patients presenting with symptoms such as fever, cough that lasts for days, body pains, and intense fatigue. Unlike earlier flu seasons, symptoms now last longer—usually up to 10 days compared to the typical 5-7 days.A recent survey by LocalCircles provides insight into the extent of the crisis. With more than 13,000 responses from residents in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, results show that 54% of families have one or more members suffering from flu-like symptoms. This is a stark increase from August 2024, when just 38% of families reported the same illnesses.Why is This Flu Season More Severe?There are a number of reasons why there is such a viral flu in Delhi this year. The cold weather has pushed more individuals indoors, where there is greater close contact and the viruses can more easily spread. Also, seasonal changes tend to compromise the immune system, and people become more vulnerable to infections. Another issue of concern is the co-circulation of several viruses not just in India but worldwide, such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. This overlap has caused diagnostic confusion and management, as the symptoms tend to simulate each other. In addition, the development of new viral mutations has caused infections to be more extended and serious, putting a bigger burden on healthcare facilities and hospitalizing patients more often.Who is Most Vulnerable?Although anyone can contract the flu, some groups are more susceptible to serious complications. Older people, particularly those aged 50 years and older, are at greater risk from immune decline due to age, making it more difficult for their bodies to resist infection. Young children and infants are also at increased risk since their immune systems have not yet fully developed. Those with existing conditions like asthma, hypertension, diabetes, COPD, or cardiovascular disease are more likely to suffer from severe complications of the flu. Besides this, people whose immune systems have been compromised through the treatment for chronic diseases or autoimmune disorders also have a greater likelihood of facing long-term sickness and hospitalization.Increasing Swine Flu Case ThreatAiding the crisis, cases of swine flu (H1N1) have increased in Delhi-NCR. The signs—fever, sore throat, cough, and tiredness—are the same as COVID-19, making diagnosis difficult. Hospitals have witnessed an uptick in pneumonia and bronchitis cases due to extreme infections. According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), more than 20,000 individuals in India have been infected with swine flu, and 347 deaths have been reported until December 2024.When to Consult A Doctor?As the number of flu cases increases, residents need to know when to go for professional medical attention.Mild Cases: When symptoms are fever, body pains, cough, and mild weakness, home treatment with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter drugs might be enough.Severe Cases: When symptoms last longer than 10 days or get worse (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, or dehydration), prompt medical care is required.Hospitalization Required: Those with underlying medical conditions need to receive immediate medical attention at the onset of symptoms to avoid serious complications.How to Protect Yourself and Others?Considering the severity of this flu season, taking preventive steps can minimize transmission:Get Vaccinated: Getting an annual flu shot can give immunity against the most prevalent viral strains.Wear Masks in Public Places: This minimizes the risk of airborne transmission.Practice Good Hygiene: Hand washing more often, using sanitizers, and avoiding face touching can avoid infections.Improve Indoor Air Quality: Humidifiers and air purifiers can reduce the survival of viruses indoors.Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep can enhance immune responses.Health authorities in Delhi are asking people to take the flu season seriously. Hospitals are redoubling measures to cope with the large patient influx, and government agencies are stepping up surveillance and vaccination campaigns. Public health officials are also trying to understand why this season has witnessed such a sharp increase in cases and if new viral strains are at play.