http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/23/2634169.htm
Second swine flu death
Posted 56 minutes ago
Updated 44 minutes ago
The woman had underlying health issues. (AAP: Dave Hunt, file photo)
A second Tasmanian has died after contracting the swine flu virus.
The 77-year-old woman from the state's north-west died in hospital in Burnie yesterday.
The Health Department says she had several chronic conditions, as well as the flu virus.
Three weeks ago, an 85-year-old Hobart woman died with the H1N1 virus.
The Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Chrissie Pickin, has reminded Tasmanians that for most people the virus will be mild and can be managed at home.
"However, we have always said that there will be some people who become serisously unwell," she said.
"People in this category will most likely be those with underlying health conditions as was the case in this situation.
"People most at risk of severe illness include pregnant women, those with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, liver disease, significant obesity or immue system suppression.
"We urge people in these categories who also become ill with flu-like symptoms...to seek medical attention early.
The Health Minister, Lara Giddings, urged Tasmanians to heed the advice.
"Unfortunately this highlights the difficult time Tasmania faces in the coming weeks as the expected peak in human swine flu affects the community," she said.
The minister offered her condolences to the patient's family.
Second swine flu death
Posted 56 minutes ago
Updated 44 minutes ago
The woman had underlying health issues. (AAP: Dave Hunt, file photo)
A second Tasmanian has died after contracting the swine flu virus.
The 77-year-old woman from the state's north-west died in hospital in Burnie yesterday.
The Health Department says she had several chronic conditions, as well as the flu virus.
Three weeks ago, an 85-year-old Hobart woman died with the H1N1 virus.
The Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Chrissie Pickin, has reminded Tasmanians that for most people the virus will be mild and can be managed at home.
"However, we have always said that there will be some people who become serisously unwell," she said.
"People in this category will most likely be those with underlying health conditions as was the case in this situation.
"People most at risk of severe illness include pregnant women, those with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, liver disease, significant obesity or immue system suppression.
"We urge people in these categories who also become ill with flu-like symptoms...to seek medical attention early.
The Health Minister, Lara Giddings, urged Tasmanians to heed the advice.
"Unfortunately this highlights the difficult time Tasmania faces in the coming weeks as the expected peak in human swine flu affects the community," she said.
The minister offered her condolences to the patient's family.