The number of patients suffering from fever, cough, body ache and prolonged fatigue has increased in Delhi-NCR hospitals. This has come to light in a survey. The elderly and children are at the highest risk, experts have suggested ways to stay safe in this changing weather.
Viral infections have been increasing rapidly in Delhi-NCR since February 2025. The number of patients with fever, cough, body ache and prolonged fatigue has increased in hospitals. According to a survey by LocalCircles, 54% of households in NCR have one or more people experiencing flu or Covid-like symptoms.
Many patients are experiencing symptoms for up to 10 days instead of 5-7 days. Usually, flu cases increase when the season changes, but this year the intensity and spread of the infection has raised serious concerns.
According to a TOI report ( ref ), the survey was conducted on more than 13,000 people in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 37% of these were women, and 63% were men. Experts are investigating whether this infection is caused by a new viral strain or poor air quality and weather changes are the reason. The elderly, children and people with pre-existing diseases are most at risk of this infection.
Due to Increased Infection:
Changes in weather weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Poor air quality in Delhi-NCR is also increasing respiratory diseases. Changes in the flu and COVID virus can cause symptoms to be more severe and take longer to recover. Due to less contact during the pandemic, people's immune system has now become weak, due to which the infection is spreading rapidly.
Survey Result:
According to the survey, 9% of households have four or more people sick, while 45% of households have two to three members suffering from flu symptoms. 36% of households reported no one sick and 10% did not give a clear answer. In August 2024, only 38% of households had cases of infection, while there has been a big jump in February 2025.
Who is most at risk?
Cases of severe flu symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia, gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and nausea are increasing rapidly. The elderly (over 50 years of age), children and infants, people with pre-existing diseases and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious complications. Patients with weakened immunity may face a prolonged illness, which may also require them to be hospitalized.
Why are so many people getting sick?
There can be many reasons behind this. The first reason is the change in weather because a sudden drop in temperature weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Poor air quality in Delhi-NCR is increasing the symptoms of respiratory diseases and flu. Changes in the flu and Covid virus can make the symptoms more severe and take longer to recover.
How to keep yourself and your family safe?
- Wear a mask in crowded places.
- Wash hands frequently and take care of hygiene.
- Include vitamin-rich foods and probiotics in your diet.
- Do light exercise daily and strengthen the immune system.
- Avoid going out when there is high pollution and use an air purifier if needed.
- If symptoms persist for more than a week or become severe, contact a doctor immediately.
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About the Author:
Chirag Pandey
