Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Exclusive With Leading Pulmonologist: When Should You Worry About H1N1 Symptoms?

The <span>H1N1 virus</span> continues to surge in India’s national capital, Delhi, with vulnerable groups more likely to develop severe illness. While the infection is self-limiting in most cases, it is leading to increased hospitalizations, with some patients requiring ventilator support.

Delhi has reported 2,308 cases of swine flu, with the number described as around eight times higher than the average in previous years. However, no deaths have been reported so far. 

The government has asked people to follow precautions similar to those followed during COVID, including the use of masks, and hand hygiene. However, it advised people not to panic but remain alert to symptoms. 

<strong>To understand more about <span rel="noindex">H1N1</span>, HealthandMe interviewed Dr GC Khilnani, Chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care &amp; Sleep Medicine, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, who explained the current surge, symptoms, warning signs, treatment and preventive measures.</strong>

<h2>Q. H1N1 cases are rising sharply in Delhi. What is driving this surge, and how concerning is it?</h2>

<strong>A.</strong> There has been a clear rise in H1N1 cases, which is concerning because influenza can occasionally cause severe pneumonia, ICU admissions, and deaths. The virus is also known to mutate, raising concerns about severe disease and wider outbreaks.

However, the current H1N1 virus is the same as in 2025. In healthy people, it usually causes a self-limiting illness lasting three to five days, with sore throat, fever, body aches, headache and sometimes mild chest pain. 

Severe illness is more likely in vulnerable groups, including those aged 70–80 years or older, people with diabetes or chronic lung disease, and those who are immunocompromised due to long-term steroids, cancer treatment or other conditions. 

We currently have patients on ventilators at PSRI Hospital because of H1N1, though thankfully there have been no deaths so far. The actual number of cases may also be higher than reported because not everyone gets tested. 

<h2>Q. Is the H1N1 strain currently circulating in India different from previous years? How contagious is it? </h2>

<strong>A. </strong>It is a highly contagious strain. The ICMR has already said that it is the PDM09 Missouri type of virus, the same as it was in 2025. It has a very short incubation period of one to four days, and that means that it spreads very fast.

The attack rate is very high. That means that if it occurs in a family, all the family members are affected, and the contacts are affected. The spread is by droplet infection and also by touching non-living things like tables, chairs, or hands, as was happening in COVID. It spreads very fast. It's a short-term illness; therefore, the numbers are very high at this moment.

<h2>Q. What are the early symptoms of H1N1, and which warning signs mean a person needs hospital care? </h2>

<strong>A. </strong>Usual symptoms start with body aches, sore throat, headache, and fever, sometimes a very high-grade fever. Sometimes there is nausea and vomiting, and sometimes a little bit of chest pain is also there. It is sort of short-lived, and doesn't last for more than three to five days. 

But if a person becomes breathless on mild exertion or at rest, or if the elderly person becomes drowsy or less responsive, then it's a point of worry.

 If the oxygen level is below 91-92%, or the body turns blue, that means cyanosis (marked by a bluish or purplish tint to the skin or mucous membranes); these are signs of worry. Sometimes, if the chest pain is very severe, that should also not be ignored, and one should immediately go to the hospital.

<h2>Q. How can H1N1 progress from a routine flu infection to severe disease or complications? </h2>

<strong>A. </strong>It is a usual viral infection of the respiratory tract, upper as well as lower respiratory tract. It does cause a cytokine storm. It also causes multi-organ failure, and secondary infections are very common.

It is important for people who are susceptible and get admitted to hospital to look for secondary bacterial infection as well. 

<h2>Q. Do antibiotics have any role in treating H1N1? How should it be treated? </h2>

<strong>A. </strong>There is absolutely, no role for antibiotics. We have the antiviral drugs, the most common being oseltamivir, popularly known as Tamiflu.  

An important thing is that antivirals should be started within 48 hours of the start of the symptoms. After that, the role is very limited. 

So, it is important that if the symptoms are there, it should be tested. The reports are available in 2–3 hours, and Tamiflu, is to be taken for five days, in a dose of 75 milligrams, that is, one tablet twice a day for five days. 

The family members who are exposed, especially those who are susceptible, should also take a prophylactic dose of a 75-milligram tablet once a day for 7-10 days to prevent getting influenza illness. 

<h2>Q. Does the seasonal flu vaccine protect against H1N1? Who should get vaccinated? </h2>

<strong>A. </strong>The flu vaccinations that are available in India definitely protects against H1N1. Like in COVID, it reduces the chances of infection, but more importantly, the severity of infection and mortality are reduced, underscoring the importance of vaccination. 

<h2>Q. What is the best time to get the flu vaccine, especially now that cases are already rising? </h2>

<strong>A.</strong> One should take the flu vaccine once a year. The best months to receive this vaccination are before the expected outbreak. 

Now that the outbreak is already underway, vaccination may offer limited immediate benefit, as it takes at least two weeks for the vaccine to become effective.

The best time to take it is, July-August because the outbreak usually comes in the monsoon period, or you can take it in January-February because the next outbreak occurs in March.

<h2>Q. What precautions should people take at home, workplaces and schools to prevent H1N1 transmission? </h2>

<strong>A. </strong>It is a question of—you know, during COVID, everybody was scared because mortality was highest. Everybody was following COVID-appropriate behavior. 

Even now, people who develop symptoms should wear masks, even without testing, and avoid social events and crowded places to prevent spreading the infection to others.

The other thing which is more important is that those people who are likely to get severe disease—I have already described those people—should refrain from going to crowded places, like crowded markets or social gatherings and marriage parties. 

Because, at this point in time it is likely that one person or another will be infected. Importantly, that person starts transmitting the virus one day before even getting the first symptom. So, you actually do not know who will be spreading it. 

The infection rate is so high at this time that it is important for everybody not to go to crowded places if you are susceptible, meaning if you are 70-80 years old or your immunity is low. 

And it is important that if you have to go to crowded places, then you should wear a mask and protect yourself. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

exclusive-with-leading-pulmonologist-when-should-you-worry-about-h1n1-symptoms

H1N1 Virus Surges In Delhi

H1N1 Virus

H1N1

H1N1  In Delhi

H1N1 symptoms

bruce-willis-daughter-rumer-undergoes-terrifying-genetic-tests-amid-dads-dementia-diagnosis

Bruce Willis’ Daughter Rumer Undergoes ‘Terrifying’ Genetic Tests Amid Dad’s Dementia Diagnosis

study-finds-the-wealthiest-americans-had-higher-mortality-than-the-poorest-europeans

Study Finds The Wealthiest Americans Had Higher Mortality Than The Poorest Europeans

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The H1N1 virus continues to surge in India’s national capital, Delhi, with vulnerable groups more likely to develop severe illness. While the infection is self-limiting in most cases, it is leading to increased hospitalizations, with some patients requiring ventilator support. Delhi has reported 2,308 cases of swine flu, with the number described as around eight times higher than the average in previous years. However, no deaths have been reported so far. The government has asked people to follow precautions similar to those followed during COVID, including the use of masks, and hand hygiene. However, it advised people not to panic but remain alert to symptoms. To understand more about H1N1, HealthandMe interviewed Dr GC Khilnani, Chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, who explained the current surge, symptoms, warning signs, treatment and preventive measures. Q. H1N1 cases are rising sharply in Delhi. What is driving this surge, and how concerning is it? A. There has been a clear rise in H1N1 cases, which is concerning because influenza can occasionally cause severe pneumonia, ICU admissions, and deaths. The virus is also known to mutate, raising concerns about severe disease and wider outbreaks. However, the current H1N1 virus is the same as in 2025. In healthy people, it usually causes a self-limiting illness lasting three to five days, with sore throat, fever, body aches, headache and sometimes mild chest pain. Severe illness is more likely in vulnerable groups, including those aged 70–80 years or older, people with diabetes or chronic lung disease, and those who are immunocompromised due to long-term steroids, cancer treatment or other conditions. We currently have patients on ventilators at PSRI Hospital because of H1N1, though thankfully there have been no deaths so far. The actual number of cases may also be higher than reported because not everyone gets tested. Q. Is the H1N1 strain currently circulating in India different from previous years? How contagious is it? A. It is a highly contagious strain. The ICMR has already said that it is the PDM09 Missouri type of virus, the same as it was in 2025. It has a very short incubation period of one to four days, and that means that it spreads very fast. The attack rate is very high. That means that if it occurs in a family, all the family members are affected, and the contacts are affected. The spread is by droplet infection and also by touching non-living things like tables, chairs, or hands, as was happening in COVID. It spreads very fast. It's a short-term illness; therefore, the numbers are very high at this moment. Q. What are the early symptoms of H1N1, and which warning signs mean a person needs hospital care? A. Usual symptoms start with body aches, sore throat, headache, and fever, sometimes a very high-grade fever. Sometimes there is nausea and vomiting, and sometimes a little bit of chest pain is also there. It is sort of short-lived, and doesn't last for more than three to five days. But if a person becomes breathless on mild exertion or at rest, or if the elderly person becomes drowsy or less responsive, then it's a point of worry.  If the oxygen level is below 91-92%, or the body turns blue, that means cyanosis (marked by a bluish or purplish tint to the skin or mucous membranes); these are signs of worry. Sometimes, if the chest pain is very severe, that should also not be ignored, and one should immediately go to the hospital. Q. How can H1N1 progress from a routine flu infection to severe disease or complications? A. It is a usual viral infection of the respiratory tract, upper as well as lower respiratory tract. It does cause a cytokine storm. It also causes multi-organ failure, and secondary infections are very common.It is important for people who are susceptible and get admitted to hospital to look for secondary bacterial infection as well. Q. Do antibiotics have any role in treating H1N1? How should it be treated? A. There is absolutely, no role for antibiotics. We have the antiviral drugs, the most common being oseltamivir, popularly known as Tamiflu.  An important thing is that antivirals should be started within 48 hours of the start of the symptoms. After that, the role is very limited. So, it is important that if the symptoms are there, it should be tested. The reports are available in 2–3 hours, and Tamiflu, is to be taken for five days, in a dose of 75 milligrams, that is, one tablet twice a day for five days. The family members who are exposed, especially those who are susceptible, should also take a prophylactic dose of a 75-milligram tablet once a day for 7-10 days to prevent getting influenza illness. Q. Does the seasonal flu vaccine protect against H1N1? Who should get vaccinated? A. The flu vaccinations that are available in India definitely protects against H1N1. Like in COVID, it reduces the chances of infection, but more importantly, the severity of infection and mortality are reduced, underscoring the importance of vaccination. Q. What is the best time to get the flu vaccine, especially now that cases are already rising? A. One should take the flu vaccine once a year. The best months to receive this vaccination are before the expected outbreak. Now that the outbreak is already underway, vaccination may offer limited immediate benefit, as it takes at least two weeks for the vaccine to become effective.The best time to take it is, July-August because the outbreak usually comes in the monsoon period, or you can take it in January-February because the next outbreak occurs in March. Q. What precautions should people take at home, workplaces and schools to prevent H1N1 transmission? A. It is a question of—you know, during COVID, everybody was scared because mortality was highest. Everybody was following COVID-appropriate behavior. Even now, people who develop symptoms should wear masks, even without testing, and avoid social events and crowded places to prevent spreading the infection to others.The other thing which is more important is that those people who are likely to get severe disease—I have already described those people—should refrain from going to crowded places, like crowded markets or social gatherings and marriage parties. Because, at this point in time it is likely that one person or another will be infected. Importantly, that person starts transmitting the virus one day before even getting the first symptom. So, you actually do not know who will be spreading it. The infection rate is so high at this time that it is important for everybody not to go to crowded places if you are susceptible, meaning if you are 70-80 years old or your immunity is low. And it is important that if you have to go to crowded places, then you should wear a mask and protect yourself. 

exclusive with leading pulmonologist: when should you worry about h1n1 symptoms?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Exclusive With Leading Pulmonologist: When Should You Worry About H1N1 Symptoms?

Study Finds The Wealthiest Americans Had Higher Mortality Than The Poorest Europeans

Ebola Outbreak In DR Congo Records Its Highest Weekly Death Tolls Yet, With More Than 300 Deaths

NHS England Rolls Out Free Home HPV Tests For Cervical Cancer: How 4 Million Women May Benefit

Health Conditions A-Z

Bruce Willis’ Daughter Rumer Undergoes ‘Terrifying’ Genetic Tests Amid Dad’s Dementia Diagnosis

Exclusive With Leading Pulmonologist: When Should You Worry About H1N1 Symptoms?

Study Finds The Wealthiest Americans Had Higher Mortality Than The Poorest Europeans