GURNEE – The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center has reported that a 74-year old male resident of Gurnee has died from complications due to the H1N1 flu virus.
The resident had other significant medical conditions that increased his vulnerability to the virus. He was hospitalized and died on June 2. Statewide, this is the fifth swine flu-related fatality, health officials said.
“We sincerely extend our sympathies to this individual’s family,” said Irene Pierce, executive director of the health department, in a release. “While most cases of this illness are mild, pregnant women and individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma or diabetes, should contact a health care professional about treatment if they think they have the flu.”
Symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting as well.
The health department continues to encourage good hygiene practices to help prevent the transmission of illnesses – washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when you’re sick to avoid infecting others.
There are currently more than 120 confirmed cases of H1N1 (swine) flu in Lake County, but health officials maintain there are probably many more unreported cases, officials.
It’s thought that this virus spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.
The health department has activated an H1N1 (swine) flu hotline for county residents to obtain more information on swine flu, including the signs and symptoms and how to remain healthy. The hotline number is 847-377-8350. Information is provided in both English and Spanish.
Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control in English at
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or in Spanish at
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol.
