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H1N1 flu claims its first victim in Lubbock County at UMC
By Sarah Nightingale | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Story last updated at 9/24/2009 - 12:36 am
A University Medical Center patient became the first person in Lubbock County to die of H1N1 flu, vice president for corporate services Greg Bruce confirmed Wednesday morning.
The patient died Monday, Bruce said, adding that hospital privacy laws prevent release of the patient's age and gender and length of stay.
Although tests to determine if a flu patient has seasonal flu or H1N1 flu - also called swine flu - are not routine in Texas, Bruce said UMC orders the tests when "there is an underlying condition that could warrant the test." The test was performed at the health department, he said.
Bruce advised people who experience "normal flu like symptoms" not to panic.
"If their condition worsens and they experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or vomiting that is causing them to be dehydrated they should seek immediate medical attention," he said.
Most of those who are at risk for serious flu complications, he said, already have other health issues. The person who died Monday had such a condition.
"Almost all flu complications are in people with underlying conditions, people over the age of 65, or people with chronic breathing difficulties," he said.
"What typically happens is the flu virus causes the underlying health condition to worsen, so they could die of that (underlying) condition."
Bruce said 3,800 Texans die annually from flu-related complications, and UMC has seen hundreds of patients this month alone.
The Covenant Health System has recorded 96 patients tested positive for the flu this month, media relations coordinator Holly Kennedy said.
Bruce said people should protect themselves by frequently washing hands with soap and water, using an alcohol-based sanitizer and by getting vaccinated. Although the H1N1 vaccine is not yet available, Bruce said the seasonal flu shot is available in "limited quantities."
"If you are in a high risk group, if you have an underlying health condition, are pregnant or are a health care worker, you're in the first group for a flu shot," he said.
Those experiencing flu-like symptoms, he said, should stay home and recover.
"If you develop symptoms you should socially isolate yourself for seven days from the onset or 24 hours after you no longer have a fever," he said.
"Allow your body to rest and recover, avoid alcohol, keep hydrated, and avoid smoking, which may worsen respiratory symptoms," he said.
To comment on this story:
sarah.nightingale@lubbockonline.com l 766-8796 shelly.gonzales@lubbockonline.com l 766-8747
H1N1 flu claims its first victim in Lubbock County at UMC
By Sarah Nightingale | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Story last updated at 9/24/2009 - 12:36 am
A University Medical Center patient became the first person in Lubbock County to die of H1N1 flu, vice president for corporate services Greg Bruce confirmed Wednesday morning.
The patient died Monday, Bruce said, adding that hospital privacy laws prevent release of the patient's age and gender and length of stay.
Although tests to determine if a flu patient has seasonal flu or H1N1 flu - also called swine flu - are not routine in Texas, Bruce said UMC orders the tests when "there is an underlying condition that could warrant the test." The test was performed at the health department, he said.
Bruce advised people who experience "normal flu like symptoms" not to panic.
"If their condition worsens and they experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or vomiting that is causing them to be dehydrated they should seek immediate medical attention," he said.
Most of those who are at risk for serious flu complications, he said, already have other health issues. The person who died Monday had such a condition.
"Almost all flu complications are in people with underlying conditions, people over the age of 65, or people with chronic breathing difficulties," he said.
"What typically happens is the flu virus causes the underlying health condition to worsen, so they could die of that (underlying) condition."
Bruce said 3,800 Texans die annually from flu-related complications, and UMC has seen hundreds of patients this month alone.
The Covenant Health System has recorded 96 patients tested positive for the flu this month, media relations coordinator Holly Kennedy said.
Bruce said people should protect themselves by frequently washing hands with soap and water, using an alcohol-based sanitizer and by getting vaccinated. Although the H1N1 vaccine is not yet available, Bruce said the seasonal flu shot is available in "limited quantities."
"If you are in a high risk group, if you have an underlying health condition, are pregnant or are a health care worker, you're in the first group for a flu shot," he said.
Those experiencing flu-like symptoms, he said, should stay home and recover.
"If you develop symptoms you should socially isolate yourself for seven days from the onset or 24 hours after you no longer have a fever," he said.
"Allow your body to rest and recover, avoid alcohol, keep hydrated, and avoid smoking, which may worsen respiratory symptoms," he said.
To comment on this story:
sarah.nightingale@lubbockonline.com l 766-8796 shelly.gonzales@lubbockonline.com l 766-8747