News and Alerts
Posted: August 31, 2009
Contact: Mark Netherda, MD
Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer
707-565-4401
H1N1 2009 Related Death in Sonoma County
An adolescent with confirmed H1N1 2009 influenza died this week from complications associated with the flu following a brief hospitalization, Dr. Mary Maddux-González, Sonoma County Health Officer, announced today. The child did have a pre-existing medical condition that increased the risk for serious illness from influenza.
"Our deepest sympathies go out to this child's family," expressed Dr. Maddux-González. "While the vast majority of cases of flu are mild or moderate illnesses, sadly that was not the case here. Every death reminds all of us that influenza can be a very serious illness." She went on to say, "Public Health is working closely with schools, child care centers, and the Sonoma County Office of Education to provide guidance and assistance to help slow the spread of influenza in schools and childcare settings. We will continue to see cases of H1N1 2009 in schools as well as in most other settings in our community. In addition, when the regular seasonal flu season begins in a few weeks we will have an overall increase in the number of people ill with the flu, some of which will be seasonal flu and some will be H1N1 2009 flu. This is why it is important that everyone take precautions to help prevent the spread of the flu and that individuals get immunized against both seasonal flu and H1N1 2009 flu when vaccines become available this fall."
There have been six reported deaths related to H1N1 infection in Sonoma County, and there have been 36 hospitalizations and many more reports of influenza-like illness in Sonoma County as well as throughout California and the US. Most influenza-like illnesses at this time can be assumed to be due to H1N1 2009. Important details about the H1N1 2009 flu include:
- As with seasonal flu, most individuals who become sick have mild symptoms and recover fully. Individuals with more severe symptoms (such fever over 100 degrees for more than three days, shortness of breath, chest pain or altered mental status) should call their doctors.
- H1N1 2009 flu is different from the seasonal flu in that it affects younger people more often than older adults. Children and adults with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, pregnancy, and weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe complications from the H1N1 2009 flu.
- Medications are available to treat children or adults that are at higher risk, and work best when taken early, but can be started at anytime during the illness.
- Because the virus is present throughout the County, closing schools is not an effective approach to prevent the spread of the flu. A school may be dismissed if the Health Officer determines the situation warrants such action for safety reasons.
Starting in mid October, a new vaccine will be available to help protect against the H1N1 2009 flu. The highest priority groups to get this vaccine are:
- persons who live with or provide care for infants aged < 6 months
- all children and young adults aged 6 months – 24 years
- persons aged 25–64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
- pregnant women, and
- health-care and emergency medical services personnel
Dr. Maddux-González urges everyone to take the following steps to avoid becoming ill with the flu or passing it on to others:
- Children and adults should get immunized against both the seasonal and H1N1 2009 influenzas once vaccines become available this fall. Information about the vaccinations and where to get them will be advertized and on our website in the next few weeks.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Parents should set a good example by washing their own hands frequently.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not go to work or send children to school while ill.
- If sick, stay home at least 24 hours after being free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications like Tylenol or Advil.
More information about H1N1 flu is available at:
Sonoma County H1N1 Flu website
CDC Flu Information for Parents and Caregivers
U.S. Government Flu Information website
For more information, about the flu see the Sonoma County Public Health website at www.sonoma-county.org/H1N1 or call the Public Health Information Line at (707) 565-4477. Information about the flu is also available at these additional sites:
- www.CDC.gov/H1N1
- http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx
- www.sonoma-county.org/H1N1
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