Viral illnesses soar in Delhi NCR as 69% of households surveyed confirm having one or more members experiencing symptoms

September 16, 2025, New Delhi: After the heavy rains during the monsoon season, Delhi NCR has been witnessing a sharp rise in cases of influenza mainly due to water logging and contaminated water supplied to homes in several areas. According to media reports hospitals in Delhi are witnessing a rise in admission of patients down with H3N2 influenza A virus, which is leading to prolonged fever, and in many cases requiring hospitalisation due to respiratory issues.

In the case of those who are experiencing respiratory issues, recovery period lasts up to 10 days, as opposed to the normal 5-7 days. In fact, a higher frequency of allergic reactions to change of weather and temperature fluctuation is being reported. In some cases, those with high-grade fever, sore throat, persistent body aches, headaches, and weakness are reporting that over-the-counter medications like paracetamol are not proving effective, thus they are seeking medical advice or even hospitalization. Medical experts have identified the H3N2 influenza A virus as the dominant strain during the current bout of flu in the Delhi NCR.

While people of all ages are susceptible, those above 50 and young children are particularly susceptible. People with pre-existing health issues or comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, COPD, and cardiac issues are more commonly affected. Hospitals are reporting more admission of people with pneumonia and bronchitis due to severe infections. Some people are also reporting symptoms like loose motion, nausea and vomiting.

According to media reports, doctors are advising preventive measures like proper hygiene practices, maintaining distance from people with cough and cold symptoms. Doctors are also advising parents to keep sick children at home. While cold, cough and mild fever generally come under control in a few days, the doctors are strongly advising those with high fever and other complications not to take antibiotics without a medical expert’s advice.

Through a survey, LocalCircles has strived to find out what are the health issues people are facing due to flu and whether the situation is comparable to March 2025 when it last conducted a survey to find out influenza impact in the Delhi NCR. The survey received over 11,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 63% respondents were men while 37% respondents were women.

69% of households surveyed in Delhi NCR currently have one or more individuals with Covid/flu/viral fever like symptoms

As not every household would have someone unwell due to seasonal change, 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 11,152 who responded to the question 37% stated that “4 or more individuals” in their household have Covid/ flu/ viral fever symptoms; 13% of respondents said “2-3 individuals”; 19% of respondents stated, “1 individual”; 25% of respondents stated “no one, thankfully” and 6% of respondents did not give a clear answer. To sum up, 69% of households surveyed in Delhi NCR currently have one or more individuals with Covid/flu/viral fever like symptoms.

Viral illnesses rise in Delhi NCR from 54% households experiencing it in March 2025 to 69% experiencing it in September 2025

When comparing the data of the new survey with that in March 2025, there appears to be an increase in the percentage of those who are under the weather due to Covid/ flu/ viral fever. As against 54% of households that reported Covid/ flu/ viral fever among family members in March, the new survey reveals that 69% have been affected.

In summary, 69% of households surveyed in Delhi NCR currently have one or more individuals with Covid/flu/viral fever like symptoms. A comparison with the data in March, when 54% of respondents had reported cases of viral illnesses in their household, the new survey shows a sharp increase to 69%. Considering the high jump in the instance of households impacted by the weather change and new strains of viral fever and other illnesses, LocalCircles hopes the health authorities will probe why there is an increase in the number of cases and why some are taking a more severe turn, in some cases requiring hospitalization and constant medical care.

Survey Demographics

The survey received over 11,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 63% respondents were men while 37% respondents were women. The survey was conducted via LocalCircles platform, and all participants were validated citizens who had to be registered with LocalCircles to participate in this survey.