Delhi has witnessed a sharp increase in swine flu infections in recent weeks, prompting the Delhi government to issue a public health advisory and urge people to follow basic respiratory hygiene measures. Authorities have advised residents to wear masks in crowded places, wash their hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections and seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms become severe or persistent. According to health department data, Delhi has reported more than 1,777 H1N1 cases this year, with 114 new infections recorded on Thursday alone.

The capital has also reported more than 2,300 Influenza-A cases, prompting authorities to step up preparedness measures. The advisory recommends covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. People have also been advised to wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Other precautions include avoiding spitting in public places, maintaining distance from people with respiratory symptoms, staying hydrated and avoiding unnecessary close contact when unwell.

According to Dr Arjun Khanna, HOD, Pulmonology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, one of the biggest mistakes during the current wave is assuming that persistent flu symptoms are “just seasonal flu.”