Srivastava said in most of the deaths, the infection had spread widely in the chest and H1N1 Pneumonitis had kicked in.

The swine flu cases were bracketed in three categories - those who had mild flu-like symptoms, those with high fever, and those with chest congestion and other flu-like symptoms. 'Most deaths are of those who fall in the last category,' he added.

Srivastava said those falling in the second and third category should immediately go to the identified health facility, while those in the first category could go to private health facilities.

'The best way is to report it early so there is better redressal and treatment chance,' he added.

However, he clarified that the study was in its nascent stage. 'Analysis will have to be compared with other positive case before ascertaining a clear trend because the sample size is still small,' he added.

He said the emphasis was earlier on providing testing facilities, but now it focussed on capacity building, diagnosis and treatment.