Mobile Woman Dies From H1N1

Mobilian dies who had tested positive for H1N1 influenza

The Mobile County Public Health Department has been notified of the death of a Mobile woman in her 40s who had tested positive for 2009 H1N1 influenza. She had been hospitalized in Pensacola since Dec. 1 and died there today. Her death brings the number of deaths of Mobile County residents diagnosed with influenza-like illnesses to three and the total statewide to 37.

According to Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer, the continued widespread incidence of 2009 H1N1 influenza in Alabama and the number of known deaths should serve as a strong reminder of the need for everyone to take steps to prevent transmission of disease and to be immunized for both H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

“We are offering vaccinations to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza to people in high priority groups Mondays through Fridays at our 251 N. Bayou St. facility,” Eichold says. “The hours are 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and the shots are free.”

The high priority groups include the following people:
• Pregnant women
• Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age (parents, siblings and child care providers)
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Individuals aged 25 through 64 years with medical conditions associated with a higher risk of flu complications such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, and certain types of arthritis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician:
• People who have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to chicken eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine,
• People who have had a life-threatening reaction after receiving a dose of the seasonal flu vaccine,
• People who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and
• People who have a moderate or severe illness.

Dr. Eichold advises people to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of colds and flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have tissue, cough and sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based and sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading germs to others.

For more information, call the Health Department’s Immunization Clinic at 690-8821