Viral illnesses soar in Delhi NCR as 54% of households surveyed confirm having one or more member experiencing symptoms

March 6, 2025, New Delhi: Since February, Delhi NCR has been witnessing a sharp rise in cases of influenza including Swine Flu. Many people are experiencing headaches, cough, fatigue, mild temperature and other respiratory issues, leading to extended recovery periods lasting up to 10 days, as against the normal 5-7 days.

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 diarrhea and nausea.

Through a survey, LocalCircles has strived to gauge the spread of viral symptoms at a household level and whether the situation is comparable to August 2024 when it last conducted a survey to find out influenza impact in Delhi NCR. The survey received over 13,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. 63% respondents were men while 37% respondents were women.

54% 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 13,938 who responded to the question 9% stated that “4 or more individuals” in their household have Covid/ flu/ viral fever symptoms; 45% of respondents said “2-3 individuals”; 36% of respondents however stated “no one, thankfully” and 10% of respondents did not give a clear answer.

Viral illnesses rise in Delhi NCR from 38% households experiencing it in August 2024 to 54% experiencing it in March 2025

When comparing the data of the new survey with that in August 2024, there appears to be an increase in the percentage of those who are under the weather due to Covid/ flu/ viral fever. As against 38% of households which reported Covid/ flu/ viral fever among family members, the new survey reveals that 54% have been affected.

In summary, 54% 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 August 2024, when 38% of respondents had reported cases of viral illnesses in their household, the new survey shows a sharp increase to 54%. 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 13,000 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.