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Hubballi : Dharwad district recorded 35 H1N1-positive cases from 80 throat swab samples tested in Sept 2026. From January to September, 119 samples were tested, of which 53 returned positive. Both govt and private hospitals have witnessed an increase in patients seeking treatment for viral infections over the past 10 to 15 days. Dr Mahesh Chittaragi, district surveillance officer at the DHO’s office, said 53 H1N1-positive cases have been reported in the district between Jan and Sept this year.
However, vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly and those with weakened immunity due to diabetes, hypertension, cancer, HIV or TB, should exercise extra caution. Several patients have also reported loss of taste and severe weakness caused by poor food intake, affecting their daily routine.
Dr Ishwar Hasabi, medical superintendent at KMC-RI, told TOI that common cold cases are rising with the season, but not all are testing positive for H1N1 . He said viral infections typically present with symptoms such as cold, cough and mild fever, which usually subside within two to three days. Changing weather patterns and seasonal conditions have triggered a sharp rise in viral fever cases across the district. The infection is affecting people across age groups, from children to senior citizens, and is spreading rapidly within households. Doctors say that while some patients experience only high fever, many report symptoms such as vomiting, severe cough, cold and extreme fatigue that can leave them bedridden for up to a week. Most patients can be managed through OPD treatment. Critical patients are treated in the ICU, while others are admitted to general wards. The hospital recorded five positive cases in July and nine in August, including five among children. District health officer Dr Parashuram urged the public not to panic. He advised people with persistent symptoms to visit the nearest govt hospital for blood tests. Those testing positive would be provided appropriate treatment. He cautioned against self-medication, warning that over-the-counter painkillers and unprescribed drugs can mask complications and delay proper treatment. He stressed that antiviral medicines should be taken only on a doctor’s advice. He also advised residents to drink boiled and cooled water regularly and increase their intake of fresh vegetables, leafy greens and seasonal fruits to strengthen immunity.