A recent survey by LocalCircles, which gathered responses from over 13,000 residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, has highlighted a troubling increase in swine flu cases in the region. According to the findings, 54% of households in Delhi NCR are reporting symptoms of swine flu, including fever, sore throat, cough, headache, stomach issues, joint pain, and respiratory problems. The illness is impacting people of all ages, but those over 50, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, COPD, and cardiac issues are at greater risk.
Hospitals in the region are seeing a rise in admissions for conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis, linked to severe flu infections. Dr. Neetu Jain, Senior Consultant in Pulmonology at PSRI Hospital, noted, “Earlier, flu-like episodes would last 5-7 days. Now, they last about 10 days. Patients are experiencing shortness of breath, chest congestion, and wheezing, which were less common in previous years.” The rise in post-flu complications like prolonged coughs, also known as bronchial hyperactivity, is causing significant disruptions to daily life, with many people unable to sleep or work due to persistent symptoms.
The survey also found that some patients are reporting gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and nausea, suggesting the presence of new viral strains or additional complications. This follows a worrying trend, with the percentage of households experiencing viral illnesses in Delhi NCR rising from 38% in August 2024 to 54% in March 2025.
The recovery period has notably lengthened, with many people taking up to 10 days to fully recover from the illness. The survey further revealed that 9% of respondents reported 4 or more individuals in their household showing symptoms of Covid/flu/viral fever, while 45% reported 2-3 affected individuals. In contrast, 36% of households had no reported cases, with 10% of respondents providing unclear answers.
Health experts are now calling for further investigation into the causes of the rising infections. Concerns are growing about environmental factors, possible viral mutations, and inadequate preventive measures contributing to the surge in cases. With infections continuing to rise, the situation calls for increased vigilance and immediate action.
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