North India is currently experiencing rapid shifts in weather patterns. Alternating between rain, heat, and a slight dip in temperature by evening, this has been the prevailing situation in Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh for some time now. On Friday, light rain fell across the capital region of Delhi and Noida, while Saturday saw a return to intense sunshine and heat. Such fluctuating weather conditions can make you susceptible to illness.

As the weather changes, cases of Influenza (the flu) begin to rise. It affects millions of people every year. The flu virus remains active for longer periods in cold and dry environments and spreads easily from one person to another. According to reports from the World Health Organization, seasonal flu causes millions of severe cases worldwide each year.

In recent years, it has also been observed that patients are taking longer to recover compared to the past. While people previously used to recover within 3–4 days using standard medications, recovery now takes longer; moreover, cold and flu symptoms are increasingly accompanied by various other health complications.

**The Influenza Virus and Its Risks**

When the weather is cold or dry, the influenza virus can survive in the air for extended periods. The flu virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Studies indicate that a drop in temperature and humidity facilitates the transmission of the virus. This is why a surge in flu cases is typically observed during the winter season or periods of seasonal transition.

**New Flu Variants Sparked Concern**

In 2025, the outbreak of a disease caused by a new variant of the flu virus—affecting countries including the United States and Canada—heightened concerns among health experts. Scientists discovered that the virus had undergone several mutations that could potentially increase its rate of transmissibility.

Health experts noted that slight mutations are consistently observed each year in the specific sub-variants of the influenza virus that are most prevalent. The most widespread variant is Subclade-K, a subtype of Influenza A(H3N2).
Subclade-K was first identified in Australia in July 2025.
It was found to be responsible for up to 91.5% of infections in the United States. It was also the cause behind the surge in cases observed in Canada.

**Annual Flu Vaccination is Essential**

With the changing weather, there are growing concerns regarding a potential resurgence of flu infections. Dr. Virendra Agarwal, Head of the Department (HOD) of Internal Medicine at a private hospital in the capital, Delhi, notes that the weather is gradually shifting. Consequently, there is a possibility that flu cases could rise.

Individuals within high-risk groups—such as those over the age of 65, children under five years old, pregnant women (up to two weeks postpartum), and patients suffering from asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cancer, HIV, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney ailments—must exercise particular caution.

**Prioritize Personal Hygiene**

Approximately 90 percent of patients hospitalized due to the flu have at least one underlying health condition. Therefore, annual vaccination is of paramount importance for these groups. Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial for preventing illness.

Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Wear a mask in crowded places.
Maintain a distance of at least six feet from individuals who are ill.

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