State's Second H1N1 Flu-Related Death Announced

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health yesterday announced the state's second death linked to H1N1 flu (swine flu). A statement released by BPHC said that the 84 year-old Boston was hospitalized on June 12 and died six days later, on June 18. Today, his test results came back positive for novel H1N1 flu. The patient had several serious underlying health conditions which placed him at high risk of complications from the flu.

"While we have seen recent evidence of flu-like illness decreasing in Massachusetts, this tragic case underscores that we are still seeing person-to-person spread of the virus," said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. "That is why it is so important for everyone to practice the prevention measures that we know can reduce the spread of illness."

Certain groups are at higher risk of complications from the flu. These groups include children under the age of 2, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic 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.

Massachusetts residents are reminded to take the following steps to reduce their risk of illness:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough into your inner elbow and not into your hands.

If you are sick stay home from work, and if your child is sick keep them home from school for 7 days, or 24 hours after symptoms resolve -- whichever is longer.

Stay informed about the latest developments on the H1N1 flu by visiting www.mass.gov/dph.

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This article was originally published on the MA Department of Public Health's blog, Commonwealth Conversations, and is reproduced here with the kind permission of the MA DPH.