Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://jacksonville.com/news/2009-10-07/story/baker_county_confirms_1st_swine_flu_death
Baker County confirms 1st swine flu death
The 52-year-old woman suffered from several existing medical conditions.
* By Jeremy Cox
* Story updated at 1:07 PM on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
A 52-year-old Baker County woman who died recently of swine flu had multiple underlying health problems, putting her at high risk for complications, a health official said today.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed the death today. It is Baker's first swine flu-related death since the outbreak began last spring.
"The person did have underlying [medical] problems," said Kerry Dunlavey, head of Baker's health department. "[People] just need to be really cognizant of the fact that if they have flu-like symptoms to take them seriously."
Across Northeast Florida, 14 have died from the new flu strain, also known as H1N1. Duval has reported 11, and Baker, Clay, St. Johns counties have reported one death apiece.
Statewide, officials confirmed seven more deaths today, raising the total to 109.
To avoid getting or spreading the flu, health officials recommend that you:
* Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
* Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
* Contact your physician if you are experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting.
Baker County confirms 1st swine flu death
The 52-year-old woman suffered from several existing medical conditions.
* By Jeremy Cox
* Story updated at 1:07 PM on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
A 52-year-old Baker County woman who died recently of swine flu had multiple underlying health problems, putting her at high risk for complications, a health official said today.
The Florida Department of Health confirmed the death today. It is Baker's first swine flu-related death since the outbreak began last spring.
"The person did have underlying [medical] problems," said Kerry Dunlavey, head of Baker's health department. "[People] just need to be really cognizant of the fact that if they have flu-like symptoms to take them seriously."
Across Northeast Florida, 14 have died from the new flu strain, also known as H1N1. Duval has reported 11, and Baker, Clay, St. Johns counties have reported one death apiece.
Statewide, officials confirmed seven more deaths today, raising the total to 109.
To avoid getting or spreading the flu, health officials recommend that you:
* Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
* Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
* Contact your physician if you are experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting.