A recent concerning statistic has been making the rounds on social media and TV, about how 54% of households in Delhi-NCR have contracted H1N1 (swine flu).

Is it the truth? Misinformation is rampant these days, and there’s no denying that there has been an uptick in flu-like cases across India in the last few months, but is it really H1N1?

And it’s not just India that’s struggling with rising flu cases — in the United States alone, there have been at least 24 million cases since October 2024 alone. While many of us brace for the inevitable as the season begins changing — sniffles, cough and congestion, this year feels different. The severity of the flu has been worse compared to the years before, and overlapping symptoms make it hard to understand if it's just the regular cold or something else entirely.

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Different news outlets and information available online have made many of us wonder: what’s really going on?

 

Decoding the Difference Between Cold, Flu, H1N1 and COVID 

Before diving into why this flu season packs an extra punch, let’s quickly break down our four main contenders:

The Common Cold: Usually a mild annoyance, the cold is caused by rhinoviruses. Think runny noses and sore throats—rarely a cause for alarm.

Seasonal Flu (Influenza A & B): Influenza viruses can hit hard and fast, often bringing high fever, muscle aches, and sudden fatigue. It’s more serious than a cold and can lead to complications like pneumonia, especially in the vulnerable.

H1N1 (Swine Flu): A strain of Influenza A, H1N1 first emerged as a pandemic virus in 2009 but is now a regular part of flu season. It tends to affect younger adults more than traditional flu strains and may cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea. 

Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, Internal Medicine, Apollo Hospitals comments on the recent surge, “There have been a lot of swine flu cases, which was not expected. The weather could be a reason. Swine flu comes with normal symptoms — cough, body ache and runny nose. These people feel more weak than usual, the fever is higher than if they had cold or flu. Those with a transplant or vulnerable sections may feel it more severely”

 

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COVID-19: This newcomer, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can range from a simple cough to severe respiratory distress. Its evolving variants and unpredictable nature keep us on our toes. COVID-19 symptoms vary widely, from mild cold-like effects to severe respiratory distress. It can also lead to loss of taste and smell—something not commonly seen with flu or H1N1.

 

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Why Are The Cases More Severe This Year?

While doctors and researchers haven’t been able to narrow down the severity of the flu season to one reason alone, there are several possible reasons for it. The colder months have led to many people globally spending more time indoors. Spending time in crowded places indoors can lead to more contaminants being spread within confined quarters, leading to higher transmission of infections. 

The worsening air pollution in many Indian cities has also led to an increasing number of respiratory problems.  Air pollution can lead to a weakened immune system, and increased inflammation, and can carry a higher viral load, making it more likely for everyone living in that environment to catch the same infection. 

 

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The past few years of social distancing and mask-wearing kept flu viruses at bay, but they also reduced our natural exposure and immunity. Now, as normal interactions resume, our bodies are encountering these viruses with lower defences.

But it’s not just weakened immunity — multiple viruses are circulating together. The coexistence of flu, H1N1, and COVID-19 means people are at risk of catching more than one virus at a time, making symptoms more severe and recovery more challenging. There are also those, children in particular, who may be recovering from one virus only to get another while or just after they’ve recovered. 

Both influenza and COVID-19 viruses evolve, with new strains potentially bypassing prior immunity. If a flu vaccine mismatch occurs, the protection against this season’s most common strains may be lower than expected. The aftermath of COVID has also left many of us tired of ‘social distancing’. Many have stopped masking and sanitizing regularly, which is allowing respiratory viruses to spread more easily than in previous years.

 

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Staying Safe This Flu Season

• Vaccination: Annual flu shots and COVID-19 boosters significantly reduce the risk of severe illness.
• Hand Hygiene: Frequent handwashing, using sanitisers, and avoiding touching your face can lower your exposure.
• Avoid Crowded Places: Being in crowded places leaves all of us more vulnerable to catching infections as these areas carry a higher viral load and leave more surfaces infected
• Use A Mask: If you’re in a high-risk environment, a mask can still protect against airborne viruses.
• Practice Common Etiquette: If you’re coughing or sneezing, use your mouth or tissue to protect others from being sprayed with infectious particles. It would be ideal to wear a mask if you’re suffering from flu-like symptoms. 

 

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With flu, H1N1, and COVID-19 circulating together, staying informed and taking preventive measures is more important than ever. While vaccines, hygiene, and early detection can help reduce the risk of severe illness, it’s essential to seek professional guidance if you’re feeling unwell. Whether you’re experiencing mild symptoms or unsure about the next steps, a timely consultation can make all the difference.
If you’re unsure whether it’s the flu, H1N1, or COVID-19, don’t wait—speak to a healthcare expert today. Book a consultation through UR.Life and get personalized advice to recover quickly and stay healthy.