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Union Health Minister Reviews H1N1 Influenza Preparedness; Emphasises Vigilance, Robust Surveillance
Delhi is witnessing a surge in H1N1 and H3N2 infections, which medical experts attribute to expected seasonal patterns during the humid monsoon months.
Dr. Arjun Khanna, HOD of Pulmonology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, reported 1,344 cases this season compared with 229 last year, describing this as an almost six-fold rise.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Harpreet Kaur of Aakash Healthcare confirmed 34 H1N1 cases at her facility, noting damp, humid conditions facilitate virus spread in crowded indoor settings.
Dr. Sunil Rana, Associate Director at Asian Hospital, stressed that testing is essential because H1N1 and H3N2 present with overlapping symptoms, urging patients to avoid self-medicating.
Vaccination offers about a 30% reduction in influenza-associated hospitalization risk, while experts emphasize antibiotics do not treat influenza; patients should seek prompt medical assessment for persistent symptoms.