First H1N1 death in Alpena
Health department confirms one death from flu, one other suspectedTwo people in Northeast Michigan have died from influenza-related deaths, according to the District Health Department No. 4. An infant confirmed to have H1N1 and a 54-year-old with a probable H1N1 case have died from complications related to the flu. Underlying health conditions put them at greater risk of complications from the flu.
"Sadly, we have learned that two Northeast Michigan residents have succumbed to illness associated with the flu. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones," Joshua Meyerson, medical director of DHD No. 4, said.
Since Sept. 1, there have been 22 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza related deaths in Michigan ranging from six months to 72 years of age. Those who are at the highest risk of suffering severe complications from the flu are:
- less than two years of age
- 65 years or older
- pregnant women
- people with chronic health conditions
"We know that any type of influenza can cause serious illness and death, especially in people with certain underlying conditions," Meyerson said. "It's important to remind everyone how important it is to take simple precautions that can reduce your chances of getting and spreading the flu."
These steps include:
- washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your inner elbow, not your hands
- if you are sick stay home from work and if your child is sick keep them home from school 24 hours after the fever has gone away without medicines
- get an H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine as they become available
- people who are high risk of flu complications and get the flu shot should call their doctor and discuss the use of an antiviral such as Tamiflu.
DHD No. 4 is vaccinating the priority populations as they receive vaccine. Hospitals and physicians also are receiving the vaccine as soon as it is available. The health department is working to offer the vaccine to as many eligible people that want it.
For more information about the flu, visit www.mighigan.gov/flu or www.flu.gov. Visit the health department's Web site at www.dhd4.org for the latest on vaccine availability clinics.
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Mabuhaycharlie
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11-06-09 9:45 PM
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I was told the 54 year old smoked 4 packs of cigarettes a day. If that is not true, let me know. If it is true, what did she really die of ? Smoking is a choice my friends. I would base all heath care on factors like smokers pay more, obese people pay more,etc.. This are high risk people. High risk drivers pay higher premiums, why not high risk people for health care insurance. If you don't get within 10% of your BFI and or you smoke or drink heavily, you will pay health care premiums accordingly, just like your car insurance. I fail to see any difference. Watch out for that Thimerasol in that flu vaccine and others, read up on it first, then you decide for yourself if you want it, take responsiblity for your own life. Do not let the media, government, or heath care people make that decision for you. Life is all about choices. We "all" have choices with a very few exceptions.
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ExcellTrinity
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11-06-09 4:11 PM
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It's too late to get the vaccine. The CDC says so. The vaccine is way overrated and with way too many possible side effects. No way I was gonna sign the paperwork for my kids to get the shot. The swine flu is not the big one. What's feared most is if it mutates. Nothing could stop it then. Very deadly. It's also man-made!
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audreypapke
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11-06-09 1:58 PM
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I'd tell you a story about another's habits, and the viral sickness it lead to . . . And Dr. Sanjay Gupta! Thank goodness for the dillegence of CNN! He was in the dessert and his chills were - like never before. I had those chills one year before h1n1 was announced, though, for the record, the problem, due to my aggressive sounding voice that was really defensing sounding to me - might have been viral meningitis. Who knows. I do hope that the person who died of h1n1 was not treated as I was - and was admitted - precautionary measures taken - like adequate testing and a chance to fight the terrible inflenza with whatever means a hospital has.
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