Panhandle Health District

                                                             8500 N. Atlas Road         Hayden, Idaho  83835

www.phd1.idaho.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Date:     October 15, 2009                       

Contact:                                                                                  Released by: Jeanne Bock, Director                     

Cynthia Taggart

Public Information Officer

(208) 415-5108

(208) 818-7288 (cell)

H1N1 Virus Probable Contributor to Man’s Death

Hayden—The H1N1 influenza virus may have contributed this week to the death of a Post Falls man in his 30s who had influenza symptoms. Tests are being conducted now to determine the factors that led to the man’s death in his home.

              “The death of a resident of our community saddens us deeply and our sympathies go out to his family and other loved ones,” said Jeanne Bock, Panhandle Health District director. “Although most cases of H1N1 recover without medical attention, this is an unfortunate reminder that all flu viruses can be deadly. We must continue to be vigilant in preventing the spread of the H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza. We anticipate that we could see more illnesses and deaths from H1N1, which is now widespread in our communities.”

              Northern Idaho has seen an increase in flu-like illness during the past month. Idaho is one of 37 states that report widespread H1N1 influenza. When (or if) confirmed, this man’s death will be the fifth in Idaho related to the H1N1 virus since September 1.

              H1N1 influenza and seasonal flu spread through the air, usually through coughing or sneezing by infected people. H1N1 symptoms typically start with a fever, sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache, body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people, mostly children, have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

              The first shipments of H1N1 vaccine arrived in northern Idaho this month. The initial supplies will go to vaccine target groups, but larger quantities are expected for public vaccinations in the coming weeks. People who need the most protection from H1N1 and are a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-vaccination target group are:

• Pregnant women;
• Children from age 6 months through 24 years;
• People who live with and/or care for children younger than 6 months of age;
• Healthcare and emergency response workers;
• Anyone from age 24 through 64 with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a condition that weakens the immune system.

Panhandle Health District (PHD) advises everyone to help protect themselves from the flu with these steps:

• Wash hands with soap and water often or use hand sanitizer;
• Cover your cough and sneeze with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand;
• Stay home if you’re sick;
• Stay six-feet away from people who are sick.
• Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.

PHD activated its telephone hotline Tuesday to answer the public’s many questions on H1N1. The tollfree number is 1-866-528-3501. The hotline is open Mondays through Fridays; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Keep updated on H1N1 influenza in northern Idaho on the PHD website, www.phd1.idaho.gov.