H1N1 cases are rising in Delhi, and hospital OPDs are seeing more patients with symptoms of the viral infection. A sharp spike has been linked to weather changes that help respiratory viruses survive and spread. Common symptoms include high fever, severe body ache, cold and cough. Most healthy adults recover with rest, hydration and symptomatic treatment, but the elderly, children and people with existing health conditions are at risk of serious complications, and some patients may need ventilator support for breathing problems. Prevention includes annual influenza vaccination, hand hygiene, masking in crowded places, good ventilation and staying home when you are unwell. If you have a high fever with breathlessness, or you belong to a vulnerable group and develop flu-like symptoms, see a doctor without delay.
