October 8, 2009

2009 H1N1 Pandemic Flu Infection Contributes to Death of Latah County Woman

The 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus has contributed to the death of a Latah County woman in her 50s who had underlying medical conditions. This is the third death associated with the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus in Idaho. H1N1 infections also contributed to the deaths of a Canyon County man in his 50s in late September, and a Bannock County teen within the last week.

Reports of influenza illnesses are widespread throughout the state. The overall number of infections continues to increase, along with the number of people hospitalized. A total of 620 people in Idaho have lab confirmed infections from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus since April, with 92 reported during the last week. Public health officials believe a far larger number of people have become infected with the H1N1 virus, but have not been ill enough to seek medical attention or lab testing.

The first shipments of vaccine for the H1N1 virus began arriving in the state on Monday. Although the initial supply is limited, larger quantities of vaccine are anticipated to be available for public vaccinations over the next two to three weeks. Although no public clinics have begun yet, people can find more information about local vaccine clinics by visiting their local public health district websites, or calling their local public health districts.

Symptoms of H1N1 pandemic infection are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, with some reports of diarrhea and vomiting. Most people with the flu who are generally in good health will recover without needing to visit a doctor or other health care provider. People who are ill and at high risk for flu complications, and people with more severe flu symptoms, should call their regular health care provider. People are urged to contact their health care provider to get advice on whether they need to be seen. People with mild symptoms are urged not to go to hosptial emergency rooms.

Detailed information about the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus is availabe from:

• The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s website at www.panflu.idaho.gov.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1lflu/
• U.S Dept. of Health and Human Services website at www.flu.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hotline: 1-800-CDC-Info (1-800-232-4636).