An increasing number of people in Delhi-NCR are currently suffering from symptoms resembling the flu and viral fever. A survey by LocalCircles claims that at least one person—or more—in 54% of households across Delhi-NCR is affected by flu-like or viral fever symptoms. The survey covered residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.

According to the survey report, 39% of households reported two or more people falling ill simultaneously. Meanwhile, 23% of households reported four or more individuals exhibiting symptoms of the flu or viral fever. Responses were collected from a total of 32,643 people for the survey.

**Reports of multiple people falling ill in the same household**
The report highlights the fact that multiple individuals within the same household are falling ill at the same time. According to the survey, the simultaneous occurrence of flu-like symptoms among several family members is being viewed as a "cluster" of illness within households.

However, the symptoms mentioned in the survey do not necessarily imply that every individual has influenza. Flu-like symptoms can also manifest in various other viral infections. Therefore, the specific virus or illness affecting an individual can only be confirmed through medical testing.

**Rise in H1N1 cases**
Citing government data, the survey report states that 2,392 cases of Influenza-A have been reported in Delhi so far in 2026 (up to August 21). Of these, 1,777 cases were identified as H1N1. According to the report, 229 H1N1 cases were recorded during the same period last year. Based on this comparison, the report claims an approximately eight-fold increase in cases this year.

**What precautions should be taken?**
Symptoms associated with the flu and other viral infections include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and a runny nose. If such symptoms occur, it is essential to get adequate rest and stay hydrated. Exercising caution in crowded places and minimizing close contact with others when ill can help prevent the spread of infection. Consulting a doctor is necessary if there is a persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a rapid deterioration in health.

The data from this LocalCircles survey is based on the experiences reported by individuals; therefore, it should not be considered an official count of flu cases across Delhi-NCR. Nevertheless, reports of multiple people falling ill within the same household certainly highlight the need to remain vigilant about the spread of the infection.

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