State Health Officials Announce Death in Massachusetts Related to H1N1 (Swine) Flu

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the death of a 55 year-old female from Middlesex County related to H1N1. The patient had multiple underlying health conditions.

 

“It is with great sadness that we have learned of the first death of a Massachusetts resident within the state related to H1N1 flu this fall. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this individual,” said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. “While most cases of H1N1 in Massachusetts and across the nation have been relatively mild, this news demonstrates once again how serious flu can be.”

 

Certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications for the H1N1 flu.  These groups include: children and young adults up to the age of 24, pregnant women and people with chronic underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.  These people should call their doctor immediately to discuss appropriate treatment if they develop a fever with a cough, sore throat or runny nose.

Precautions to help stop the spread of flu include:

• Get vaccinated against both H1N1 and seasonal flu.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue, or cough/sneeze into your inner elbow and not into your hands.
• If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away. This means no fever for at least 24 hours after you have stopped taking any fever-reducing medication.

Comments

[Roland Tang]

Just a FYI: Thank you for posting such timely replies to the comments that I have seen!

[J.A.]

I am confused why the Commissioner said this was the first death of a state resident within the state.
Were the other 11 Massachusetts H1N1 deaths non residents? ------------- DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. The Commissioner stated on Friday that this was the first death of a state resident from H1N1 complications this fall, making it the 12th total death in the state.

[QM]

I am the parent of an infant younger than 6mo. My doctor is not going to be getting any H1N1 vaccine. Where can I go to get my shot as soon as possible. Because I want to protect my infant who is too young to be vaccinated I don't want to wait until the open clinics at the end of November. That's too long from now! ------------------- DPH RESPONDS: Thank you for your question. You can find a list of public flu clinics in your area at: http://flu.masspro.org. At this time, vaccine for seasonal flu is beginning to be available in the state. Although the H1N1 vaccine is not yet available, you can use this same web resource to find a provider/clinic near you once that vaccine is here.