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Ky. Reports Two More Swine Flu Deaths
Last Update: 2:40 pm
FRANKFORT, Ky. ? Officials in Kentucky have reported two additional deaths this year related to the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health, the Pennyrile District Health Department and the Christian County Health Department announced that cases involve a Caldwell County teenager and a woman in her late 20s.
The teenager did not have health issues while the woman had underlying health issues, according to officials.
?Influenza always has the potential to cause serious illness or complications that can result in hospitalization, and even death. It is a tragedy when we lose Kentuckians to any illness, especially children and young adults," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "Kentucky continues to experience widespread flu activity at the moment, and is working with federal, state and local partners in the public and private sectors to prepare for the 2009 H1N1 vaccination campaign. Flu vaccine is one of the most effective tools we have against influenza and we hope to begin immunizing Kentuckians in the weeks ahead."
Kentucky reported its first swine-flu related death in early September. That case involved a Fayette County woman in her late 50s. The state's second swine-flu related death involved a Jefferson County woman in her 40s.
The news comes the same day millions of swine flu vaccines are being released nationwide.
"Although we are continuing to see an increased number of cases of the flu, to date the illness H1N1 causes is comparable to seasonal flu and will usually not require the closure of schools for public health reasons," said Dr. Hacker.
The symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 influenza include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and may include vomiting or diarrhea. Individuals at higher risk for complications?such as those with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant ? should contact a health care provider early, in case treatment with antiviral medication is necessary.
Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing.
Copyright 2009 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Ky. Reports Two More Swine Flu Deaths
Last Update: 2:40 pm
FRANKFORT, Ky. ? Officials in Kentucky have reported two additional deaths this year related to the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health, the Pennyrile District Health Department and the Christian County Health Department announced that cases involve a Caldwell County teenager and a woman in her late 20s.
The teenager did not have health issues while the woman had underlying health issues, according to officials.
?Influenza always has the potential to cause serious illness or complications that can result in hospitalization, and even death. It is a tragedy when we lose Kentuckians to any illness, especially children and young adults," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "Kentucky continues to experience widespread flu activity at the moment, and is working with federal, state and local partners in the public and private sectors to prepare for the 2009 H1N1 vaccination campaign. Flu vaccine is one of the most effective tools we have against influenza and we hope to begin immunizing Kentuckians in the weeks ahead."
Kentucky reported its first swine-flu related death in early September. That case involved a Fayette County woman in her late 50s. The state's second swine-flu related death involved a Jefferson County woman in her 40s.
The news comes the same day millions of swine flu vaccines are being released nationwide.
"Although we are continuing to see an increased number of cases of the flu, to date the illness H1N1 causes is comparable to seasonal flu and will usually not require the closure of schools for public health reasons," said Dr. Hacker.
The symptoms of both seasonal and H1N1 influenza include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and may include vomiting or diarrhea. Individuals at higher risk for complications?such as those with chronic health conditions or who are pregnant ? should contact a health care provider early, in case treatment with antiviral medication is necessary.
Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing.
Copyright 2009 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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