LEWISTON, IDAHO - Public Health - Idaho North Central District reports the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has contributed to the death of a Latah County woman in her 50’s. The woman, who had underlying medical conditions died from flu complications during the past week.
“We are saddened by the death of a member of our community and our sympathies go out to her loved ones,” said Carol Moehrle, Director of Public Health - Idaho North Central District. “This is an unfortunate reminder that, although most cases of H1N1 have recovered without medical treatment, all flu viruses can be deadly and we must continue to be vigilant in preventing the spread of 2009 H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza. Regrettably, just like seasonal flu, which kills an estimated 36,000 people in the United States each year, we anticipate that we will see more illnesses and deaths from the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus which is now widespread in the community,” said Carol Moehrle.
Idaho North Central District has seen an increase in influenza like illness over the past month. It is estimated that there are thousands of cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza throughout the State, with the vast majority of these cases having mild to moderate illness and full patient recovery.
2009 H1N1 influenza spreads the same way as seasonal flu, mainly through coughing or sneezing by infected people. The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 influenza are similar to those of regular seasonal flu, with almost all cases presenting with fever and most cases having a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting with 2009 H1N1 influenza.
The first shipments of vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus began arriving in the state this week. Although the initial supply is limited, larger quantities of vaccine are anticipated for public vaccinations in the coming months. When available, the vaccine is recommended for people who are high-risk for the 2009 H1N1 influenza infection. They include:
- Pregnant women,
- Children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years of age,
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age,
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel,
- Persons aged 25 through 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
In the meantime, we encourage you to continue taking these simple, but very important steps to protect yourself and others from various strains of the flu:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
- Cover your cough and sneeze with your sleeve, not your hand.
- Stay home if you’re sick.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.
Information on flu symptoms, precautions and how to prepare for a pandemic of influenza is available from Public Health - Idaho North Central District at www.idahopublichealth.com or our information line at 1-866-736-6632.