Choked by smog, struck by fever — 75% of households in the Delhi-NCR region Report battling illness, proving once again that polluted air has become the city’s slow poison.”
Toxic Air, Sick Homes: Delhi-NCR’s Health Crisis Deepens
On October 31, 2025, a survey conducted by community platform LocalCircles revealed that nearly 75% of households in the Delhi-NCR region currently have at least one family member suffering from a viral illness. The alarming report comes amid dangerously high pollution levels that have choked the region’s air quality and overwhelmed its residents.
According to the survey, three out of four homes across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad are battling symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and fatigue. Health experts say this surge in illnesses is not just seasonal — it’s a direct consequence of the toxic mix of pollution and viral infections.
Survey Highlights: The Numbers Behind the Health Emergency
- 75% of respondents reported at least one sick member at home.
- 17% said four or more people in their households were ill.
- 25% reported 2-3 members down with viral fever-like symptoms.
- Only one in four homes reported everyone as healthy.
Experts attribute this surge to prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 particles, which irritate the respiratory tract and reduce immunity, making people more vulnerable to viral infections like H3N2 influenza, common cold, and even Covid-19.
Pollution Peaks as AQI Hits ‘Severe’ Category: 75% of households in the Delhi-NCR region
The survey coincides with a period when Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 450 in several areas, marking it as ‘Severe’. In some regions, the PM2.5 levels exceeded 350 µg/m³, nearly seven times above the safe limit set by the WHO.
Doctors have reported a spike in respiratory illnesses and hospital visits over the past two weeks. “The air we’re breathing is damaging lungs, lowering oxygen levels, and aggravating viral symptoms,” said Dr. Rajesh Chawla, a leading pulmonologist in Delhi. “We are seeing longer recovery times and higher cases of secondary infections.”
Children and the Elderly Most Affected: 75% of households in the Delhi-NCR region
Medical professionals warn that the most vulnerable groups are children, senior citizens, and those with asthma or heart conditions. Children’s developing lungs are particularly susceptible to pollution-induced inflammation, while older adults face worsened chronic conditions.
Schools have begun advising parents to limit outdoor activities, and some offices are reverting to hybrid work models to reduce exposure. Pharmacies across NCR are also reporting increased demand for cough syrups, paracetamol, and antihistamines.
The Double Whammy: 75% of households in the Delhi-NCR region
Delhi-NCR’s annual pollution crisis has always coincided with the flu season, but this year, the overlap is proving especially harsh. Experts describe the phenomenon as a ‘double whammy’ — pollution weakens the immune system, making people more susceptible to viral infections, while the infection itself worsens breathing difficulties caused by poor air.
Environmental researcher Anumita Roychowdhury notes, “It’s a vicious cycle — pollution triggers inflammation, viral infections spread more easily, and recovery takes longer.”
What Residents Can Do to Stay Safe
- Use air purifiers indoors to minimize pollutant exposure.
- Wear N95 masks when stepping outdoors.
- Stay hydrated and include antioxidants in your diet.
- Avoid morning walks or outdoor exercise when pollution levels are high.
- Consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than five days.
Government Response and Citizen Demands
While authorities have announced temporary bans on construction and industrial activity, public frustration continues to mount. Citizens demand long-term measures, including stricter emission controls, improved public transport, and interstate cooperation to prevent stubble burning.
The survey’s findings have reignited calls for declaring a ‘public health emergency’ in Delhi-NCR, similar to measures taken in previous years. The Delhi government has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Conclusion: Breathing Shouldn’t Be a Luxury
The fact that 75% of homes in Delhi-NCR have at least one sick member is a grim reflection of the region’s worsening air crisis. As pollution and viral illnesses combine to threaten public health, urgent and sustained action is needed.
Until then, residents are left to navigate an unsettling reality — where every breath comes with a cost, and every cough could signal more than just the flu.
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Author: Team BTP
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