Delhi fever: As the monsoon recedes, Delhi-NCR is grappling with a sharp spike in viral illnesses, with residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad reporting persistent fevers, coughs, and respiratory distress.
A LocalCircles survey of more than 11,000 respondents indicates that 69% of households currently have one or more individuals with Covid/flu-like symptoms; notably, 37% say four or more members are unwell, while only a quarter report no cases. The September 2025 figures mark a steep rise from March 2025, when 54% of households reported similar illnesses, underlining that nearly seven in ten families are contending with at least one flu-like case this season.
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Clinicians say the influenza A (H3N2) strain appears to be the leading driver. Unlike the typical seasonal flu that settles within five to seven days, many patients this time are taking up to 10 days to recover, with cough and fatigue lingering. Hospitals across the region report higher admissions for pneumonia, bronchitis and breathlessness, and many patients say over-the-counter relief like paracetamol has not been enough, prompting more consultations.
Doctors warn that children, older adults and people with underlying conditions, diabetes, asthma, COPD, and cardiac disease face the highest risk of complications. Alongside classical symptoms such as sudden high fever, chills, body aches, coughs, sore throats, nasal congestion, and profound fatigue, some patients are presenting with gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea, vomiting, and loose stools.
H3N2 differs from COVID-19 and the common cold in important ways. The flu typically hits fast; symptoms often arrive within one to four days of exposure, including an abrupt fever, aches, and a heavy cough. While many flu cases resolve at home, both H3N2 and Covid-19 can lead to complications in vulnerable groups, and clinicians caution against complacency during the current wave.
Public-health experts advocate for a fundamental approach to prevention. Frequent handwashing, masking in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, improving ventilation at home and work, and maintaining good nutrition, hydration, and rest can all help reduce spread.
