The smog-filled skies of Delhi-NCR are not just blocking the view, they are making people sick. A new survey by the community platform LocalCircles has revealed that three out of every four households in Delhi and nearby cities currently have at least one sick member. The combination of toxic air and seasonal viruses has created a serious public health crisis across the region.

The survey collected over 15,000 responses from residents of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. It found a sharp rise in illness over the last month. In late September, around 56% of families had reported at least one unwell member. That number has now jumped to 75%.

Doctors across the capital are reporting a steady increase in H3N2 influenza and other viral infections. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and body pain. Many patients say they are taking longer than usual, sometimes over 10 days,  to recover. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health problems are the most affected.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality has dropped to dangerous levels once again. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been between 400 and 500, mainly due to firecracker smoke, farm fires, and vehicle emissions. The amount of PM2.5, a harmful fine particulate matter, has been recorded at 350 µg/m³.

This is almost ten times higher than the World Health Organization’s safe limit.The LocalCircles survey also found that three in four households are experiencing symptoms like breathing difficulty, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, burning eyes, and headaches, all linked to air pollution exposure.

The survey results show that 17% of families have four or more members who are sick, while 25% have two to three sick individuals.  Another 33% of households reported having one unwell person, and only 25% said everyone in their home is healthy. Experts warn that this “double attack” of air pollution and seasonal viruses could become even worse if immediate action is not taken. 

They have urged authorities to control vehicle emissions, construction dust, and stubble burning, while also promoting awareness about preventive measures such as wearing masks, using air purifiers indoors, and avoiding large gatherings to reduce the spread of infections.