Posted Tuesday, November 17, 2009 --- 10:10 a.m.

Press Release from the Jefferson County Health Department:

Jefferson County Health Department reports the first H1N1 influenza related death in a Jefferson County adult resident with underlying health conditions that put them at risk of complications from influenza.

“The loss of a loved one is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the family and friends during this difficult time,” said Gail Scott, Director/Health Officer.

So far there have been approximately 29 H1N1 influenza related deaths in Wisconsin and as many as 4,000 nationally.

“People who develop significant influenza symptoms or those with flu symptoms who are at risk for severe influenza or influenza complications should promptly contact their health care provider,” stated Scott. “Treatment with antiviral medication could be very important for these individuals.”

The State is now recommending that vaccination be expanded to adults ages 19 to 64 with underlying medical conditions.

“For most people, the 2009 H1N1 flu is not severe. However, the risk of hospitalization or death is higher in young children, pregnant women, individuals with compromised immune systems and those with other chronic illnesses,” said Scott. “More H1N1 vaccine will be available in the coming weeks. We recommend that those individuals who are at high risk for severe disease from H1N1 influenza get vaccinated to protect themselves against H1N1 when vaccine becomes available.”

Jefferson County Health Department has been providing the H1N1 influenza vaccine at clinics as soon as the vaccine arrives at the Health Department. The Health Department is now offering the vaccine to the expanded target group - those with chronic disease ages 19 to 64. This is in addition to the following individuals: Pregnant women, household contacts of women who are at least 8 months pregnant, persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months of age (examples: parents, siblings, daycare providers), health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious materials, children age 6 months-4 years and children and adolescents age 5-18 years who have chronic medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza complications.

These specific health conditions include: chronic pulmonary (including Asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, cognitive, neurologic/neuromuscular, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus), immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus); or receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

Approximately 2,500 individuals have received the vaccine through the Health Department so far. Health officials expect that eventually there will be enough H1N1 vaccine available for anyone who wants to be vaccinated. The Health Department has been working closely with Fort HealthCare and all area medical providers in assuring that those in the CDC identified target groups have access to the H1N1 vaccine.

While vaccination will be the best protection against influenza, until more people are vaccinated it is important for everyone to continue the basic protection and prevention measures: stay home if you are ill; cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or with your sleeve, not with your hands; wash your hands thoroughly and frequently; and stay healthy by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food and exercising.

For more information about H1N1 influenza, please visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov, contact the Jefferson County Health Department at 920-674-7275 or www.co.jefferson.wi.us, or contact your health care provider. The Health Department website is updated daily with vaccine availability and clinics times and locations.