The Virginia Department of Health announced yesterday the first H1N1 virus fatality in the Thomas Jefferson Health District.
An adult male residing in the district contracted the virus and died. Although the patient had an underlying health condition, the virus contributed to his death.
According to the department, symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills or fatigue. The people at most risk from the so-called swine flu are pregnant women, individuals from 6 months to 24 years of age.
When it comes to contracting the virus, the department lists these possible means of prevention:
* Get a seasonal influenza vaccination now and plan on getting a novel H1N1 vaccination later this fall. The novel H1N1 vaccine is anticipated to become available in mid-October.
* Stay home from work or school when ill and limi contact with others to keep from infecting them
* Call your health care providers before seeking care for influenza-like illness so that the necessary infection control measures can be put in place
* Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash after use
* Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
* Limit close contact with sick people
* Prevent the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose or mouth.
(Source: Virginia Department of Health)