October 13, 2009

Fourth Death of a Nassau County Resident with Confirmed 2009 H1N1 Influenza

Nassau County H1N1 Call Center Opens

Uniondale, NY - Nassau County Department of Health is announcing the death of an adult with confirmed H1N1 influenza.

The Nassau County resident is an adult over the age of 65 who had serious multiple underlying medical conditions.  To protect the privacy of the family, Nassau County Department of Health is not releasing any identifying information about the deceased.  Since H1N1 was first identified in the spring of 2009, 4 deaths in residents with confirmed H1N1 influenza have been reported to Nassau County Department of Health.

Nassau County Department of Health has received 1,000 doses of Novel H1N1 Intranasal Vaccine from the New York State Department of Health. We have distributed these vaccines in collaboration with our hospital based community pediatric serving practices.  This decision is based on the vaccination priority groups established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and who is approved to receive the intranasal type of vaccine.

This is the beginning of the vaccine distribution.  Nassau County expects to receive additional shipments of the H1N1 vaccine and will broaden our distribution as it becomes available. Nassau County Department of Health has established an H1N1 Call Center for residents seeking additional H1N1 information.  Residents may call the H1N1 Call Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 4 pm at 1.888.684.4271.

The priority groups recommended by the Centers for Disease and Prevention to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

• Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
• Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Nassau County advises residents to practice good health habits and take everyday preventive actions:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and when you are sick, stay home from work, school and errands. 
• Eat nutritious food, be active and don't smoke. 
• Manage stress.  Balance, work, home and play.  Take time to relax and get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.  Make sure children get more, based on their age.
• Get check-ups.  Regular check-ups are important; ask your health care provider how you can lower your chances for health problems and maintain good health.