Acute Care · Seasonal Viral Illness

Flu, COVID, Dengue & Seasonal Viruses in Delhi

What's circulating in Delhi right now and how to manage it — Influenza A (H3N2, H1N1), Influenza B, COVID-19 variants, dengue, chikungunya, RSV and viral gastroenteritis. Same-day consultations with Dr. Sanjay Sachdev (MBBS, MNAMS) at Friends Colony and Maharani Bagh.

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Influenza — H3N2, H1N1 and Flu B

Influenza in Delhi tends to peak in monsoon and winter. Hallmarks are abrupt high fever, severe body ache, dry cough, sore throat, headache and exhaustion. Started early (within 48 hours), oseltamivir shortens illness and reduces complications in high-risk patients — elderly, diabetics, cardiac and lung patients, pregnant women.

COVID-19 — current variants

JN.1 and its descendants remain the dominant SARS-CoV-2 lineages globally. Most cases are now mild — fever, sore throat, congestion, cough, fatigue, occasional GI symptoms. We test high-risk patients, manage symptoms, advise isolation and treat early with antivirals where indicated.

Dengue & Chikungunya

Post-monsoon Delhi sees significant dengue (DENV-2 commonly) and chikungunya. High fever, retro-orbital pain, severe body ache, rash and falling platelets define dengue; severe joint pain that can persist for weeks defines chikungunya. Early NS1 and CBC testing, careful hydration and platelet monitoring change outcomes.

RSV, norovirus and other 'small viruses'

RSV is increasingly recognised in adults — especially over-65s, asthmatics and COPD patients — presenting as wheezy bronchitis. Norovirus and rotavirus drive sudden vomiting-and-diarrhoea outbreaks. Management is pragmatic: rehydration, symptom control, and selective testing.

Ways to keep healthy this season

Annual influenza vaccination, updated COVID-19 booster as advised, pneumococcal vaccine for over-65s, Tdap booster every 10 years. Hand hygiene and N95/KN95 masking in crowded indoor spaces during waves. Mosquito prevention (repellent, screens, removing standing water) is the single most effective dengue/chikungunya measure. 7–8 hours sleep, protein and vegetables at every meal, vitamin D sufficiency, daily movement, alcohol moderation.

Who this is for

Adults and families across South Delhi with new fever, flu-like illness, post-viral cough, lingering fatigue, suspected dengue/COVID/flu, or anyone needing structured advice on vaccines and prevention. Same-day appointments are usually available — WhatsApp the clinic.

Frequently asked

5 answers
Which viral infections are currently circulating in Delhi?
Delhi typically sees overlapping waves of Influenza A (H3N2, H1N1), Influenza B, SARS-CoV-2 variants (JN.1 and descendants), RSV in children and the elderly, dengue and chikungunya in the post-monsoon months, and norovirus-type gastroenteritis. Symptoms overlap, so testing matters.
When should I see a doctor for fever in Delhi?
Same day if you have high-grade fever > 39°C, fever for more than 48–72 hours, breathlessness, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe headache, rash, low platelets on a report, or you're pregnant, elderly, or have diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease.
How can I tell flu from COVID from dengue?
You often can't from symptoms alone — fever, body ache and fatigue overlap. The differentiator is testing (flu PCR, COVID RAT/PCR, dengue NS1 + IgM, CBC) and clinical clues. We test pragmatically based on day of illness and risk.
Do I need antibiotics for a viral fever?
Almost never. Most fevers in Delhi are viral and antibiotics neither shorten them nor prevent complications — they cause harm and resistance. We use antivirals (oseltamivir for influenza in high-risk patients) and supportive care, and only add antibiotics when there is a clear bacterial indication.
How do I protect my family during high-virus season?
Annual influenza vaccine, COVID booster as advised, pneumococcal vaccine for over-65s and high-risk adults, hand hygiene, masking in crowded indoor spaces during waves, mosquito prevention (repellent, screens, no standing water) for dengue and chikungunya, and good sleep, hydration and nutrition.

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Consultations are by appointment at Friends Colony East and Maharani Bagh, South Delhi.

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