Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.the-leader.net/default.a...subname=&pform=&sc=1009&hn=the-leader&he=.net
First H1N1 death in Polk County
* WEB EXCLUSIVE* 15.DEC.09
POLK COUNTY - Polk County Health Department reports the first H1N1 influenza related death in Polk County, an adult with underlying health conditions.
Out of respect for the family and patient confidentiality laws, the Polk County Health Department is not releasing the individual?s sex, age, race or location of residence.
?The loss of a loved one for anyone is heart‐breaking. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time,? said Gretchen Sampson, Polk County Health Officer.
?For most people, the 2009 H1N1 flu is not severe. However, the risk of hospitalization or death is higher in young children, pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with other chronic illnesses,? said Sampson. ?We have seen an increase in availability of H1N1 vaccine in recent weeks and expect more H1N1 vaccine to be available in the coming weeks. While the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced earlier this week that the H1N1 vaccine is now available to the general public, we recommend that all individuals, especially those on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention?s target list, get vaccinated as another wave of H1N1 cases could occur later this season.?
Vaccine is especially recommended for those within the CDC?s target group, which includes:
? Pregnant women
? Persons who live with or provide care for infants age 6 months or younger (examples: parents, siblings, daycare providers)
? Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
? All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
? Persons 25‐64 years of age with conditions associated with higher risk of complications from influenza
People who develop significant flu symptoms or those with flu symptoms who are at risk for severe flu or flu complications are advised to consult their health care provider immediately. While vaccination will be the best
protection against influenza, it is still important for everyone to continue the basic protection and prevention measures: stay home if you are ill; cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with your sleeve, not with your
hands; wash your hands thoroughly and frequently; and stay healthy by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food and exercising.
For more information about H1N1 influenza, please visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov, call 2‐1‐1, the Polk County Health Department at 715‐485‐8500 or contact your health care provider. People can access the upcoming H1N1 and seasonal vaccination clinic schedules in Polk County by going to www.polkcountyflu.com
First H1N1 death in Polk County
* WEB EXCLUSIVE* 15.DEC.09
POLK COUNTY - Polk County Health Department reports the first H1N1 influenza related death in Polk County, an adult with underlying health conditions.
Out of respect for the family and patient confidentiality laws, the Polk County Health Department is not releasing the individual?s sex, age, race or location of residence.
?The loss of a loved one for anyone is heart‐breaking. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time,? said Gretchen Sampson, Polk County Health Officer.
?For most people, the 2009 H1N1 flu is not severe. However, the risk of hospitalization or death is higher in young children, pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with other chronic illnesses,? said Sampson. ?We have seen an increase in availability of H1N1 vaccine in recent weeks and expect more H1N1 vaccine to be available in the coming weeks. While the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced earlier this week that the H1N1 vaccine is now available to the general public, we recommend that all individuals, especially those on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention?s target list, get vaccinated as another wave of H1N1 cases could occur later this season.?
Vaccine is especially recommended for those within the CDC?s target group, which includes:
? Pregnant women
? Persons who live with or provide care for infants age 6 months or younger (examples: parents, siblings, daycare providers)
? Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
? All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
? Persons 25‐64 years of age with conditions associated with higher risk of complications from influenza
People who develop significant flu symptoms or those with flu symptoms who are at risk for severe flu or flu complications are advised to consult their health care provider immediately. While vaccination will be the best
protection against influenza, it is still important for everyone to continue the basic protection and prevention measures: stay home if you are ill; cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with your sleeve, not with your
hands; wash your hands thoroughly and frequently; and stay healthy by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food and exercising.
For more information about H1N1 influenza, please visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov, call 2‐1‐1, the Polk County Health Department at 715‐485‐8500 or contact your health care provider. People can access the upcoming H1N1 and seasonal vaccination clinic schedules in Polk County by going to www.polkcountyflu.com