H1N1 Cases Rise in Delhi: DoE Issues Advisory to Schools, Preventive Measures

Published: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 12:42 [IST]

The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has issued an advisory to schools amid a rise in H1N1 and seasonal influenza cases in the national capital. The advisory focuses on strengthening preventive measures in schools and promoting respiratory and hand hygiene among students, teachers and other staff members.

Delhi Schools Asked to Strengthen Precautions — Photo Credits - AI Image

The Delhi government has asked schools to take necessary precautions to reduce the spread of influenza and maintain a healthy learning environment. Schools have also been advised to create awareness among students through assemblies, classroom interactions and communication channels used for parents.

H1N1 Cases in Delhi: Preventive Measures for Schools

The Directorate of Education has outlined several measures that schools should follow to strengthen influenza prevention. These include:

1. Promote hand and respiratory hygiene: Schools should encourage students and staff to wash their hands regularly and follow appropriate respiratory hygiene.

2. Follow a Healthy School-Healthy Community approach: Schools should work towards maintaining a healthy environment for students, teachers and the wider community.

3. Clean and disinfect premises: Classrooms, school facilities and frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

4. Maintain classroom hygiene: Schools should ensure proper cleanliness and hygiene across classrooms and other commonly used areas.

5. Use masks when necessary: Mask use should be encouraged wherever appropriate, particularly among individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms.

6. Keep unwell students at home: Students showing influenza-like symptoms should avoid attending school until they recover, helping reduce the possibility of transmission.

7. Create awareness: Schools should educate students about influenza prevention through assemblies and classroom discussions.

8. Use communication channels: Notice boards, parent communication systems and digital platforms can be used to share information about preventive measures.

9. Follow respiratory etiquette: Students and staff should cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and follow basic respiratory hygiene.

10. Strengthen monitoring: Schools have been advised to maintain preventive measures and remain alert to seasonal influenza and H1N1 cases.

H1N1 Cases Rise in Delhi

Delhi has reported an increase in H1N1 infections in 2026. According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, the national capital has recorded 2,308 H1N1 cases, while cumulative cases of Influenza A and B have crossed 3,000.

H1N1 is currently the predominant influenza subtype reported in Delhi. Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said that H3N2 had been the predominant subtype in the city during the previous year.

The increase in cases has prompted authorities to reinforce preventive measures, particularly in schools and other places where people come into close contact.

Delhi Schools Asked to Strengthen Precautions

Schools have an important role in preventing the spread of respiratory infections because students spend several hours together in classrooms and other shared spaces.

The DoE advisory therefore encourages schools to focus on cleanliness, hygiene and awareness. Students experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to remain at home rather than attending classes while unwell.

Schools can also use assemblies and classroom sessions to explain simple precautions such as regular handwashing, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact when experiencing respiratory symptoms.

Delhi Medical Association Issues Advisory

The Delhi Medical Association has also urged people to follow respiratory and personal hygiene measures. It has advised people to avoid crowded places where possible and seek timely medical advice if they develop flu-like symptoms.

The advice is aimed at reducing the spread of seasonal influenza and encouraging people to take appropriate precautions during the current rise in cases.

Health Minister Says Situation Under Control

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said on August 25, 2026, that the situation was under control and there was no need for people to panic.

He also noted that schools in different parts of the country have increased precautions, with some issuing advisories to parents and, in certain cases, shifting classes online.

The latest school advisory is intended to strengthen preventive practices rather than create panic among students or parents.

What Students and Parents Should Do

Students and parents can support influenza prevention by following basic hygiene practices. Students should wash their hands regularly, avoid sharing personal items and cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Parents should also monitor children for symptoms of respiratory illness. If a child develops influenza-like symptoms, keeping them at home and seeking appropriate medical advice can help protect both the child and other students.

Schools, meanwhile, should continue cleaning shared surfaces, maintaining classroom hygiene and communicating preventive guidance to parents and students.

H1N1 Advisory: Key Takeaways

The Delhi DoE advisory comes amid an increase in H1N1 and seasonal influenza cases in the capital. With H1N1 currently reported as the predominant influenza subtype, schools have been asked to strengthen hygiene, awareness and monitoring measures.

The focus remains on early precautions, respiratory etiquette, cleanliness and keeping unwell students at home. Authorities have also emphasised that the situation is under control and that people should follow preventive measures without unnecessary panic.