On Monday, the health ministry said more than 500 people have died from the flu in India since the first fatality was reported in August, with Maharashtra seeing the largest toll of 207 deaths. More than 14,000 people have tested positive for the flu across India during the period. More than 5,700 people have died worldwide since the virus was first discovered in April.

“Influenza, a perceivably benign condition, kills about 2.5 to 5 lakh people every year worldwide, according to the WHO. These are generally the elderly or those with chronic conditions of the lung, heart or kidney. The fatality pattern this year with the 2009 H1N1 virus has been unusual, with the virus attacking healthy adults and children and pregnant women,” said JA Gogtay, medical director, Cipla. The company's shares closed at Rs 304.75 on the BSE on Wednesday, up 1.43%.