H1N1 alert: Health ministry lists symptoms to look for as Delhi crosses 1,700 cases

H1N1 alert: Health ministry lists symptoms to look for as Delhi crosses 1,700 cases TOI News Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Aug 22, 2026, 15:36 IST Comments Share AA Text Size Small Medium Large H1N1 on rise in Delhi NEW DELHI: The ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) on Saturday has urged people to recognise the H1N1 symptoms early and seek medical advice if they persist.In a post on X on Saturday, the ministry said swine flu can show up through symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, body aches and fatigue. It advised people not to ignore persistent symptoms and to seek medical advice at the nearest healthcare centre.The health ministry’s advisory also lists lethargy and loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, joint and muscle pain, diarrhoea and headache among the common symptoms associated with swine flu. Explaining the symptoms and transmission of H1N1, Dr (Major) Rajesh Bhardwaj, founder, ENT and Sleep Expert, MedFirst ENT Centre, said, “H1N1 infection, or swine flu, can be somewhat more dangerous and serious, which is why we are more concerned about it.”He said the infection spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can also spread through close contact with an infected person. “The symptoms include high fever, body aches, weakness, lethargy, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and sometimes loss of the sense of smell. There can also be throat irritation and cough,” Bhardwaj said. Staying home while sick reduces exposure to others. Covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands regularly and improving ventilation can also limit spread. A mask can be particularly useful when someone has respiratory symptoms and must enter a crowded indoor setting.The Delhi government, in a post on X, shared precautionary steps. "Vigilance and timely treatment are extremely crucial for protection against H1N1," it wrote.It advised people to cover their nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands regularly, consult a doctor if symptoms appear and avoid taking medicines without medical advice. On Friday, Union health minister JP Nadda reviewed Delhi’s preparedness for influenza and vector-borne diseases as Delhi has reported 2,392 influenza A cases this year, including 1,777 H1N1 infections. The TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most."