Delhi H1N1 cases: All you need to know as tally reaches 1,777

Delhi recorded 159 fresh influenza cases on August 20, of which 114 were H1N1 cases. The latest infections have taken Delhi’s cumulative H1N1 tally for 2026 to 1,777.

The rise in cases has prompted the Centre to review the situation. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has called a meeting with the Delhi Health Minister and senior health officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at around 1:30 pm.

Officials are expected to review the latest influenza numbers, the spread of H1N1 in Delhi and the preparedness of health authorities to deal with the increasing number of cases.

Measures being taken to monitor and control the spread of the infection are also expected to be discussed.

How many H1N1 cases have been reported in Delhi?

Delhi’s cumulative H1N1 tally for 2026 has reached 1,777.

Of the 159 influenza cases reported on August 20, 114 were H1N1.

This means nearly 72 per cent of the fresh influenza cases reported in Delhi in a single day were H1N1.

The latest figures show that H1N1 continues to account for a major share of the influenza infections being reported in the capital.

How many influenza cases are there in Delhi?

Delhi has reported a total of 2,602 influenza cases so far in 2026.

Of these, 2,392 are Influenza A cases and 210 are Influenza B cases.

Four fresh Influenza B cases were reported on August 20, taking the cumulative Influenza B tally to 210.

H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A and is commonly known as swine flu.

The figures indicate that Influenza A is responsible for the overwhelming majority of influenza infections currently being recorded in Delhi.

Why has J P Nadda called a meeting?

Union Health Minister J P Nadda has called a meeting to review the H1N1 situation in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The meeting will include the Delhi Health Minister, officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and officials from the Delhi government.

The Centre and Delhi authorities are expected to discuss the current situation and assess the steps required to manage the rise in infections.

Officials are also expected to examine the latest data and coordinate their response.

Monitoring the number of new cases, ensuring adequate medical preparedness and spreading awareness about preventive measures are likely to remain important areas of discussion.

The meeting comes at a time when Delhi’s H1N1 tally has crossed 1,700 cases and the overall influenza count has crossed 2,600.

What is H1N1?

H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza A and is commonly known as swine flu.

It causes a flu-like illness and its symptoms are generally similar to those of seasonal flu.

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

Common symptoms of H1N1 can include:

• Fever or feeling feverish
• Cough, often dry
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Headache
• Body aches and muscle pain
• Chills
• Tiredness or weakness
• Sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly in children

Symptoms can appear relatively suddenly.

Not everyone with H1N1 will have a fever.

How does H1N1 spread?

H1N1 primarily spreads from person to person through respiratory particles when an infected person:

• Coughs
• Sneezes
• Talks
• Breathes, particularly at close range

A person can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

However, respiratory transmission is generally considered more important.

Where does H1N1 spread more easily?

H1N1 spreads more easily in crowded or poorly ventilated places and through close contact with an infected person.

This makes respiratory precautions particularly important when people are in crowded places or situations where maintaining distance is difficult.

How long is a person with influenza contagious?

People with influenza can generally spread the virus from around one day before symptoms appear and for several days after becoming sick.

Young children and people with weakened immune systems may remain infectious for longer.

Is H1N1 dangerous?

For most otherwise healthy people, H1N1 causes a flu-like illness that improves with rest and supportive care.

However, influenza can sometimes cause complications such as pneumonia.

The risk is higher in certain groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant people and people with certain underlying conditions.

What precautions can help prevent H1N1?

With influenza cases continuing to be reported, people have been advised to follow basic precautions to reduce the risk of infection.

Wearing masks in crowded places can help reduce exposure to respiratory infections, particularly where maintaining distance is difficult.

Hand hygiene is another important precaution.

Regular hand washing and avoiding unnecessary touching of the eyes, nose and mouth can help reduce the risk of spreading infections.

When should you seek medical attention?

Urgent medical care should be sought if someone with suspected flu develops:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe or persistent dizziness or confusion
• Severe weakness
• Dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
• Symptoms that improve and then suddenly become much worse

What should Delhi residents know about the latest H1N1 situation?

The latest figures show 114 H1N1 cases were reported in Delhi on August 20, taking the cumulative H1N1 tally for 2026 to 1,777.

The capital has recorded 2,602 influenza cases overall, including 2,392 Influenza A cases and 210 Influenza B cases.

The Centre is reviewing the situation through a meeting called by J P Nadda with Delhi health authorities and senior officials.

Health officials are expected to continue monitoring daily case numbers, assess preparedness and review measures to monitor and control the spread of the infection.

For the public, the key precautions remain reducing exposure in crowded places, maintaining hand hygiene and seeking urgent medical attention if serious symptoms develop.