Monday, November 09, 2009
Health Unit Confirms a Death in an Individual Who Had H1N1 Flu Virus
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has confirmed the death of an area resident who had the H1N1 influenza virus. The death occurred in an adult resident who also had an underlying medical condition.
“It is never easy losing a loved one and I offer my condolences to the family of this individual,” says Dr. Anne Carter, Medical Officer of Health for The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit.
While most people who develop influenza will suffer only mild symptoms, Dr. Carter says this recent death highlights the importance of immunizing those residents most vulnerable to developing complications from H1N1 and those who are household contacts or caregivers of those at risk individuals who cannot be immunized.
“While we are over the peak of the virus here is Leeds, Grenville and Lanark Counties, there is still lots of illness around,” adds Carter. The timing of this peak varies from region to region. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that the virus has not reached a peak in Canada so it is important to be aware when travelling that H1N1 is still out there in various degrees. The virus may be declining but it doesn’t go away completely so residents will still benefit from immunization.
The Health Unit provided 13 clinics in the last 10 days to immunize as many residents as possible that are in the high priority groups.
“We have also provided a number of primary health care providers with vaccine to immunize their own patients in the high priority groups,” Carter states. “This should almost complete the first phase of the H1N1 vaccination strategy.”
Those residents, who are in high priority groups and still have not been vaccinated, should contact their primary health care provider to see if he/she is participating in the vaccination program. Those residents without a health care provider can contact the Health Unit for more information. Once vaccine availability has increased to allow the Health Unit to expand its immunization program, more community clinics will be announced.
Vaccination is one of the ways to prevent the spread of influenza. The others are: Clean your hands, Cough or sneeze in your sleeve, Disinfect hard surfaces and Stay home when ill.
The Health Unit website, www.healthunit.org is updated often with information about H1N1 prevention, symptoms and where to get help as well as vaccination clinics in the area.
Contact: Susan Healey, BA, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-345-5685 or 613-802-0550
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