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Source: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_13200423
By TIFFANY REVELLE The Daily Journal
Updated: 08/25/2009 12:58:04 PM PDT
A Mendocino County man died Friday morning from a combination of the H1N1 "swine flu" virus and staph pneumonia, according to Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Marvin Trotter.
"A third of the people with H1N1 influenza also have a bacterial pneumonia," Trotter said. "I think that's what killed him, not H1N1, but it was not a good combination."
The man's name was not released. He was 42 years old. Trotter said the man was admitted to the Ukiah Valley Medical Center emergency room Thursday night and died Friday morning.
In addition to being diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus, the man had methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of pneumonia that is particularly resistant to antibiotics, according to Trotter.
"I think the H1N1 set him up for the staph pneumonia," Trotter said.
Not to be confused with streptococcus pneumonia (strep throat), the disease causes swelling and inflammation of the lungs caused by infection. Fluid that collects in the lung as a result can prevent oxygen from entering a person's bloodstream.
Trotter said the man's oxygen levels dropped despite the fact that he was on a ventilator.
Trotter urged the public to get a seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible. He said an additional vaccination, the pneumococcal vaccination, is available to protect against pneumonia.
Tiffany Revelle can be reached at udjtr@pacific.net, or at 467-3523.
By TIFFANY REVELLE The Daily Journal
Updated: 08/25/2009 12:58:04 PM PDT
A Mendocino County man died Friday morning from a combination of the H1N1 "swine flu" virus and staph pneumonia, according to Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Marvin Trotter.
"A third of the people with H1N1 influenza also have a bacterial pneumonia," Trotter said. "I think that's what killed him, not H1N1, but it was not a good combination."
The man's name was not released. He was 42 years old. Trotter said the man was admitted to the Ukiah Valley Medical Center emergency room Thursday night and died Friday morning.
In addition to being diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus, the man had methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of pneumonia that is particularly resistant to antibiotics, according to Trotter.
"I think the H1N1 set him up for the staph pneumonia," Trotter said.
Not to be confused with streptococcus pneumonia (strep throat), the disease causes swelling and inflammation of the lungs caused by infection. Fluid that collects in the lung as a result can prevent oxygen from entering a person's bloodstream.
Trotter said the man's oxygen levels dropped despite the fact that he was on a ventilator.
Trotter urged the public to get a seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible. He said an additional vaccination, the pneumococcal vaccination, is available to protect against pneumonia.
Tiffany Revelle can be reached at udjtr@pacific.net, or at 467-3523.
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