A view that was also shared by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) experts, who also feel that “transmission of the virus is still going on in the community” and a herd immunity against the virus can only develop once 50 per cent of the population is infected.

A review meeting was held on Tuesday to analyse the 58 deaths that took place in August and September. “A total of 34 deaths took place before September 3 and 24 after the Ganesh festival,” Gokhale said, adding that even as there was a risk of transmission in crowded places, there are more people travelling in buses and trains. NIV director Dr A C Mishra, who was also present at the meeting, said crowded places were not the only factor for the spread of swine flu.

“The normal course of any influenza cycle is that the virus reaches its peak and then there is a sudden drop in the number of cases. Once 50 per cent of the population is infected then only can a herd immunity develop,” said Mishra who feels that the climatic conditions in Pune were favourable for transmission of the virus. “We just have to live with this virus,” said Mishra.

The only preventive strategy that can be adopted is to take care of the infection, Pune Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Zagade said. He said delay in treatment has been one of the reasons for deaths.

On Monday, 18 more patients tested positive with a student from DAV School at Aundh getting infected. There are 201 people admitted in hospitals across the city out of which 56 are positive. Joint Director of Health Dr Ashok Mehta said 13 are in the ICU.

While 408 suspected patients were given Tamiflu at government screening centres, the first day when the tablet was made available at retail outlets did not see much of a rush.

According to an official, three more chemists have been given the licence along with the authorised seven drug stores with private hospitals.