Lucknow, Aug 10 - Only three cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Uttar Pradesh but panic over the spread of influenza A (H1N1) infection appeared to have gripped the country's most populous state Monday.

Cabinet secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh has directed all 70 district magistrates to give top priority to the control of swine flu.

In urban areas, people are arming themselves with masks.

'Our sale of masks has suddenly shot up since the media has publicised how masks can prevent the spread of infection,' said Harish Agarwal, owner of a medicine shop.

Principal secretary (health) Pradeep Shukla said: 'We have told doctors across the state to remain on their toes to detect and try to nip the problem in the bud. All hospitals and dispensaries are also being equipped with the necessary drugs, which are similar to those for any other flu. The difficult part is confirmation, for which we are initiating necessary measures.'

However, even doctors attending to patients with swine flu symptoms fear catching the virus.

'We are exposed and prone to catching the virus. Sadly, there is no preventive method for us even though we are required to monitor suspected cases from very close quarters,' said a senior physician of the state-run Balrampur Hospital.