Delhi-NCR experiences double whammy of both viral illnesses & toxic air with 3 in 4 households surveyed having at least one individual impacted

October 30, 2025, New Delhi: Together with a surge in viral fever as night temperatures dip in the northern states, residents of Delhi-NCR are getting impacted by the rise in air pollution since middle of October. Burning of crackers during Diwali combined with farm fires in neighbouring states and local pollution factors, has made the AQI levels hit the 400-500 range in most parts of Delhi NCR. The PM 2.5 levels are touching near 350 now, while the safe levels are under 35.

Since last several weeks, many have also reported to have fallen sick in the Delhi NCR region due to spread of H3N2 influenza virus and other type of viral diseases. Symptoms include prolonged fever, persistent cough, sore throat, and body aches, with recovery often taking longer than 10 days. The virus spreads has, in particular, impacted children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

In addition to the viral illnesses, high levels of air pollution since Diwali is impacting the weel being on many with 3 in 4 househlds in Delhi NCR having someone with breathing problems, sore throat, cough, burning eyes, headaches, and nasal congestion.

LocalCircles has conducted a fresh survey to find out households are faring in Delhi NCR and whether the health situation has worsened compared to September. The survey received over 15,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 62% respondents were men while 38% respondents were women.

75% of households surveyed in Delhi NCR currently have one or more individuals with Covid/flu/viral fever like symptoms

The survey asked residents of Delhi NCR, “How many individuals do you have in your household in Delhi NCR who currently have one or more Covid/ flu/ viral fever symptoms like fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, stomach issues, joint pain, body ache, respiratory issues, etc.?” Out of 15,507 Delhi NCR residents who responded to the question 17% indicated “4 or more individuals”; 25% of respondents indicated “2-3 individuals”; 33% of respondents indicated "1 individual”; and 25% of respondents stated “no one, thankfully”. To sum up, 75% of households surveyed in Delhi NCR currently have one or more individuals with Covid/flu/viral fever like symptoms.

Percentage of Delhi NCR households with one or more individuals experiencing viral illnesses increases from 56% to 75% in the last 1 month

When comparing the results over the last 1 month, there has been considerable increase in the number of households where one or more individuals are down with Covid/ flu/ viral fever like symptoms. The jump is significant as compared to Sep 26th, when 56% of households had reported that one or more individuals are unwell, and now as 75% have reported that one or more people in their household are unwell. The situation is worse than on September 16th when 69% of households surveyed had indicated that one or more individuals were experiencing viral illnesses.

In summary, the survet reveals that 75% of households surveyed in Delhi NCR currently have one or more individuals with Covid/flu/viral fever like symptoms. Due to weather changes and deterioration in air quality, the percentage of Delhi NCR households with one or more individuals experiencing viral illnesses has increased from 56% to 75% in the last 1 month.

The survey underlines that poor air quality combined with spreading viral illnesses is having a double whammy effect on residents of Delhi NCR and need of the hour is for authorities to not only address root causes of toxic air but also undertake efforts to reduce spread of viral illnesses by creating awareness about masking and reducing the number of large indoor gatherings till the time the viral spread is contained.