Srinagar, Feb 23 (IANS): With one more H1N1 virus infected patient dying overnight here, the total number of swine flu deaths in Jammu and Kashmir rose to six Monday while the number of infected people went up to 120.

"One more H1N1 infected patient died yesterday (Sunday)," Parvaiz Koul, pulmonary disease specialist at the super-specialty Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences here, told IANS.

"The total number of H1N1 infected patients being treated inside the hospital is eight."

"We have provided sufficient medicines and preventive advisories to attendants of the swine flu patients, who are being treated at home," he added.

The doctor said that regular washing of hands, avoiding shaking of hands, refraining from touching another's face, warm salt water gargling and frequent consumption of tea and coffee were precautions needed to avoid getting infected.

"The most important precaution is to avoid social and religious gatherings during these days," Koul said.

When asked whether the use of breathing masks is recommended as a preventive measure, he said: "Using a breathing mask is a must for those who attend or treat an infected patient."

"For normal citizens, it is an extra precaution which is not a must if they adhere to other precautions. But if people feel they cannot avoid going to social and religious gatherings, then the use of a standard breathing mask is necessary."