Srinagar, Feb 25 (ANI): Health authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have started a helpline to make people aware about the preventive measures in the wake of outbreak of swine flu. Six people have died due to the flu in Jammu and Kashmir and nearly 140 people have been tested positive for the virus, according to media reports. A health volunteer, Shazia, said the helpline has helped control panic situation in the state. So far the authorities, she added, have received around 260 calls, some even from the western state of Gujarat. Meanwhile, Director, Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Saleem-ur Rehman, said besides assisting people through the helpline, they were also putting up posters and distributing pamphlets. India has seen a sharp rise in the number of swine flu deaths and reported cases this year, prompting officials to investigate the cause and step up efforts to combat the virus.