Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=11301025
Great Falls death may be linked to H1N1 flu
Posted: Oct 12, 2009 05:23 PM
Updated: Oct 12, 2009 08:34 PM
Health officials are investigating a death in Great Falls and the suspected cause is related to the H1N1 flu.
The death happened at Benefis Health System on Sunday; due to patient privacy laws, the hospital could not release the patient's name or age.
But we were told that H1N1 is the suspected cause and that the Montana Department of Health & Human Services is now involved.
The state is performing tests and the results should come back later this week.
Karen Ogden, a spokeswoman for Benefis, said, "All flu can be dangerous for some patients, but for most people it's very important to remember that the H1N1 virus and any flu is going to result in mild flu symptoms, so you may be miserable for a few days, but most people will recover."
Benefis Health System last week began limiting who can visit patients, restricting access to only healthy adults over 18, but officials noted that there will be some exceptions (read story).
If confirmed, this would be the third known H1N1-related death in Montana.
Great Falls death may be linked to H1N1 flu
Posted: Oct 12, 2009 05:23 PM
Updated: Oct 12, 2009 08:34 PM
Health officials are investigating a death in Great Falls and the suspected cause is related to the H1N1 flu.
The death happened at Benefis Health System on Sunday; due to patient privacy laws, the hospital could not release the patient's name or age.
But we were told that H1N1 is the suspected cause and that the Montana Department of Health & Human Services is now involved.
The state is performing tests and the results should come back later this week.
Karen Ogden, a spokeswoman for Benefis, said, "All flu can be dangerous for some patients, but for most people it's very important to remember that the H1N1 virus and any flu is going to result in mild flu symptoms, so you may be miserable for a few days, but most people will recover."
Benefis Health System last week began limiting who can visit patients, restricting access to only healthy adults over 18, but officials noted that there will be some exceptions (read story).
If confirmed, this would be the third known H1N1-related death in Montana.