Tamil Nadu has reported 1,558 H1N1 cases so far this year, surpassing the 1,288 cases recorded last year, Health Minister K.G. Arunraj said on Wednesday. Speaking at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai, Arunraj said the higher number of reported cases could be partly attributed to increased testing. The state has seen a shift in the seasonal pattern, with cases peaking between May and July this year, compared to January to April last year. The minister said there was no cause for panic, as H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, is a seasonal and self-limiting influenza. The health department advised people with persistent fever, cough, or throat pain to seek medical attention at the nearest government hospital.