Possible H1N1 death

[Shiloh]

Source: http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/lo...Y_h1n1_death_091217/20091217/?hub=CalgaryHome

Possible H1N1 death

Updated: Thu Dec. 17 2009 12:23:04

ctvcalgary.ca

The family of a man who died suddenly on Thursday morning is questioning whether his death was H1N1 related.

The 35-year-old man was in the same intensive care unit as 16-year-old, Michael Gorbous, who died Tuesday from H1N1.

CTV News spoke to the family and they say they don't want to release the man's name yet.

They did say that he was sick for a month and was treated as if he had H1N1 even though that diagnosis wasn't confirmed.

He was on life support and seemed to be recovering when he was released from the hospital but he died suddenly this morning.

His family says if his death is from H1N1, they want people to know about it because they are concerned everyone is becoming complacent about the virus and they are urging people to get vaccinated.

The man was married with two children and did have underlying risk factors.

Alberta Health Services has not confirmed if this is being called an H1N1 related death.

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: Possible H1N1 death

Calgary dad died of H1N1 complications, says family

Flu vaccine clinics close next week

Colette Derworiz, Calgary Herald: Friday, December 18, 2009 10:06 AM

CALGARY - As a steady stream of people sought vaccinations at H1N1 clinics Thursday, the family of a Calgary swine flu patient came forward to say the father of two has died due to complications related to the virus.

The 35-year-old man, whom the family asked not to be identified, had been in and out of hospital with pneumonia for the past three weeks.

Family members said he died at home around 5:30 a.m. Thursday.
Health authorities could not immediately confirm the death was related to H1N1.

"Alberta Health Services does not have any confirmed H1N1 deaths to report today," said spokesman Bruce Conway. "Unexpected deaths that occur outside of Alberta Health Services facilities are investigated by the provincial medical examiner."

If confirmed, it would bring the number of deaths related to H1N1 to 66 across Alberta.

It comes the day after the department announced a 16-year-old boy with no underlying health conditions had died, prompting a reminder that Calgarians should get their flu shots before the clinics close permanently next week.

On Thursday, clinics were slightly busier than earlier in the week. There was a continuous flow of people showing up at the Whitehorn location, one of three clinics that will remain open until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Jody Langlois, who brought her daughter for a second shot, said she thought it was best to get it done.

"I couldn't handle it if she got sick," she said.

Another mother, Belinda Duncan, brought her 18-year-old son Kyle Maryniak because she wants him to stay healthy.

"Get rid of that chance," explained Maryniak, noting they are still trying to convince his older brother to get the shot.

The two other clinics staying open for another week are Brentwood Village mall and Avenida Village. The Stampede grandstand location closes today at 3:30 p.m.

About 3,600 Calgary and area residents received the H1N1 shot Wednesday, bringing the local total to nearly 465,000. About 1.1 million

Albertans have been vaccinated since the campaign got off to a controversial start in October. Clinics were initially plagued by long lineups, and officials had to suspend the program due to a shortage of doses.

After Dec. 23, patients can get the vaccine by appointment at doctors' offices and some pharmacies, although health officials warn that pharmacists and most doctors won't be able to vaccinate children under the age of 10 due to record-keeping requirements.

Officials said it's key to get vaccinated because there could still be a third wave of H1N1 this winter.

So far, there have been 1,255 people hospitalized -- including 391 in the Calgary area -- due to complications from the illness.

http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/health/Calgary+died+H1N1+complications+says+family/2356762/story.html