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First H1N1 death hits region |
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Written by Greg Bird
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Friday, 23 October 2009 |
A man in his late twenties has become the first person in the Lake Cumberland region to succumb to the H1N1 virus according to state health officials.
A man in his late twenties has become the first person in the Lake Cumberland region to succumb to the H1N1 virus according to state health officials.
The Kentucky Public Health laboratory confirmed that the unidentified male passed away on October 15 as a result of the virus. There were no apparent underlying medical conditions in the patient.
The death was Kentucky’s eighth death due to the illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 292 deaths nationwide have been attributed to the H1N1 virus, and over 2,000 deaths due to a combination of influenza and pneumonia.
The news of the death comes as the first wave of seasonal and H1N1 vaccines have arrived and begun to be distributed.
Saturday the Lake Cumberland District Health Department distributed more than 350 vaccinations for both the seasonal flu and H1N1 at a clinic held at McCreary Central High School.
Amy Tomlinson, Public Health Services Coordinator for the Lake Cumberland Health Department said the initial clinic was successful, and the Health Department is planning to offer additional clinics as the supply of the vaccines arrives.
A second flu clinic has been set for Thursday night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the McCreary County Health Department.
There will be a limited amount of H1N1 flu mist (nasal spray) and injections available. These vaccinations are reserved at this time for individuals who fall into the priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). No appointments will be made. Vaccine will be available on a first come, first served basis and quantities are limited.
The current recommendations include: Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capability, all people from 6 months through 24 years of age, persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
There is no charge for the H1N1 vaccination at the health department. If you have questions or concerns about whether you fall into a priority group, contact the district health department office at 1-800-928-4416 ext. 132.
Health officials state people should seek medical attention if they exhibit the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting.
Once infected with the seasonal flu or H1N1 virus, people can be contagious for up to 5 to 7 days. It is recommended that people who have been diagnosed with any flu try and stay at home and get plenty of rest. Try to avoid contact with others as much as possible to prevent further spreading of the illness.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends seeking immediate medical attention for your child if they exhibit the following symptoms: fast breathing or difficult breathing, bluish or gray skin color, not drinking enough fluids, severe or persistent vomiting, not waking up or interacting, extreme irritability, or if their flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
Adults should seek medical attention if they experience: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or if their flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
The CDC recommends these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
Other important actions that you can take are:
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs (for when soap and water are not available), tissues and other related items could help you to avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
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