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Swine flu claims eighth county resident
By DAILY SOUND STAFF ? Jan. 9, 2010
An eighth Santa Barbara County resident died from H1N1 influenza this week and two others were hospitalized, health department officials said.
In a weekly update, health officials said the H1N1 flu, also called swine flu, remains prevalent in California and residents should take precautions to avoid becoming ill.
The No. 1 way to avoid contracting swine flu, officials say, is to become vaccinated. To that end, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department will hold a free vaccine clinic from 3-7 p.m. this Monday at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. The vaccine will be administered to anyone above the age of 6 months old.
The vaccines are also available at any of the county?s public health clinics, as well as many private practices.
In addition to becoming vaccinated, officials urged residents should wash their hands with soap and water after contact with others and before eating; avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes; cover coughs and sneezes and avoid sick people. Those who do fall ill should stay home until they are well.
To date, 59 county residents have been hospitalized from flu-related systems. The average age of those who were hospitalized is 30.
All of those who have died from the flu suffered from serious preexisting medical conditions, officials said.http://www.thedailysound.com/010910SwineFlu
By DAILY SOUND STAFF ? Jan. 9, 2010
An eighth Santa Barbara County resident died from H1N1 influenza this week and two others were hospitalized, health department officials said.
In a weekly update, health officials said the H1N1 flu, also called swine flu, remains prevalent in California and residents should take precautions to avoid becoming ill.
The No. 1 way to avoid contracting swine flu, officials say, is to become vaccinated. To that end, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department will hold a free vaccine clinic from 3-7 p.m. this Monday at Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. The vaccine will be administered to anyone above the age of 6 months old.
The vaccines are also available at any of the county?s public health clinics, as well as many private practices.
In addition to becoming vaccinated, officials urged residents should wash their hands with soap and water after contact with others and before eating; avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes; cover coughs and sneezes and avoid sick people. Those who do fall ill should stay home until they are well.
To date, 59 county residents have been hospitalized from flu-related systems. The average age of those who were hospitalized is 30.
All of those who have died from the flu suffered from serious preexisting medical conditions, officials said.http://www.thedailysound.com/010910SwineFlu