10/02/2009-1

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

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 55 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, 3 deaths in residents with confirmed H1N1 influenza have been reported to Nassau County Department of Health.

Nassau County expects to receive an initial shipment of the H1N1 vaccine by mid-October. 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 include the following health tips in their fall and winter plans:

1. Get a seasonal flu shot. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year, 36,000 people die from flu-related causes in the United States. The single best way to combat the flu is to receive a flu shot and practice good health habits. A seasonal flu vaccine will not protect individuals against the 2009 H1N1 Influenza.

2. Have a regular medical home. Identify a health care professional or medical office to coordinate and oversee you and your family members' care, whether sick or healthy. Having an identified physician or care site for you and your family members gives health care professionals a better understanding of one's family health history; this helps support continuity of care.

3. 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.

4. Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so:

Have a supply of over-the-counter medicines.

Wash hands with soap and water and/or have available alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Have tissues.

Have other related items that might be useful and could help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

5. Stay Informed. Follow public health advice regarding the flu. To date, the majority of affected individuals with the 2009 H1N1 Influenza continue to experience mild to moderate symptoms similar to ordinary seasonal flu, and most residents have recovered. It is important to keep in mind that each year, seasonal flu is implicated in approximately 2,000 deaths in New York State and 36,000 deaths nationwide. Nassau County Department of Health will continue to implement the guidance issued from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health in its efforts to mitigate the impact on public health, and inform and educate the public to limit transmission of the influenza virus.