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2nd swine flu-related death reported in Pasco
By GEOFF FOX | The Tampa Tribune
Published: October 16, 2009
The second swine flu-related death in Pasco County has been confirmed about a week after the first.
County health officials said this afternoon that a 45-year-old man tested positive for H1N1. The man also had underlying health problems. No other information about the man was available.
"H1N1 is still occurring in our county, and as a community we need to continue to follow the recommended precautions to avoid spreading infections," David Johnson, the county Health director, said in a news release.
To combat the flu, officials recommend getting vaccinated; practicing everyday prevention tips like frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick; and using doctor-recommended anti-viral drugs properly.
The Pasco County Health Department received 2,500 doses of injectable vaccine Thursday; the county had previously received 4,600 doses of FluMist vaccine. Counties can apply for more vaccinations as needed.
The statewide number of swine flu-related deaths reached more than 120 this week; six deaths have been reported in the Tampa Bay area, according to the Florida Department of Health. Swine flu can be mild or severe in different people and may make underlying chronic medical conditions worse.
As concerns over the virus spread, the county school district has urged children not to share supplies, among other common sense-type guidelines. Beyond that, preventive measures are mostly left to individual schools.
News of the recent deaths comes just over a month after the Saint Leo University women's soccer team was forced to cancel two games because five players had swine flu. Saint Leo students with flulike symptoms have been encouraged to stay in their rooms, drink plenty of liquids and see a doctor if necessary.
The university's Web site also offers tips on how to avoid contracting and spreading swine flu, the symptoms of which are often similar to regular flu: fever, sore throat, cough and aches.
Reporter Mary Shedden contributed to this story. Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 731-1239.
2nd swine flu-related death reported in Pasco
By GEOFF FOX | The Tampa Tribune
Published: October 16, 2009
The second swine flu-related death in Pasco County has been confirmed about a week after the first.
County health officials said this afternoon that a 45-year-old man tested positive for H1N1. The man also had underlying health problems. No other information about the man was available.
"H1N1 is still occurring in our county, and as a community we need to continue to follow the recommended precautions to avoid spreading infections," David Johnson, the county Health director, said in a news release.
To combat the flu, officials recommend getting vaccinated; practicing everyday prevention tips like frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick; and using doctor-recommended anti-viral drugs properly.
The Pasco County Health Department received 2,500 doses of injectable vaccine Thursday; the county had previously received 4,600 doses of FluMist vaccine. Counties can apply for more vaccinations as needed.
The statewide number of swine flu-related deaths reached more than 120 this week; six deaths have been reported in the Tampa Bay area, according to the Florida Department of Health. Swine flu can be mild or severe in different people and may make underlying chronic medical conditions worse.
As concerns over the virus spread, the county school district has urged children not to share supplies, among other common sense-type guidelines. Beyond that, preventive measures are mostly left to individual schools.
News of the recent deaths comes just over a month after the Saint Leo University women's soccer team was forced to cancel two games because five players had swine flu. Saint Leo students with flulike symptoms have been encouraged to stay in their rooms, drink plenty of liquids and see a doctor if necessary.
The university's Web site also offers tips on how to avoid contracting and spreading swine flu, the symptoms of which are often similar to regular flu: fever, sore throat, cough and aches.
Reporter Mary Shedden contributed to this story. Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 731-1239.