EDGEWOOD, Ky. – A Kenton County woman in her mid-50s has died from medical complications co-existent with the H1N1 swine flu, the Northern Kentucky Health Department reported Tuesday.
This is the first death in the Northern Kentucky region associated with H1N1 swine flu.
"The loss of any one of our residents is always a tragedy, and our thoughts go out to the individual's family," said Steven R. Katkowsky, M.D., District Director of Health. "Influenza is a serious illness that can lead to serious complications and even death, as it did in this case."
Nationwide, between Aug. 30 and Oct. 24, over 2,900 pneumonia and influenza syndrome-based deaths have been reported to the CDC due to the H1N1 swine flu. In Kentucky, 15 deaths have been reported, including the local one.
To date, 180 cases of H1N1 swine flu have been confirmed in Northern Kentucky, but this number may not accurately reflect the actual number of cases. Because H1N1 swine flu is becoming more and more widespread, testing to confirm the presence of H1N1 swine flu at the Division of Laboratory Services is limited to persons sick enough to be hospitalized or at high risk of complications, such as pregnant women. Any person with flu-like symptoms accompanied by a fever is presumed to have H1N1 swine flu.
"Public health officials are working diligently to respond to this ongoing [H1N1] swine flu pandemic. But, the public must do its part to prevent the spread of the virus," said Katkowsky.
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To prevent the spread of H1N1 swine flu, the CDC recommends that individuals:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* Get a H1N1 swine flu vaccine when it becomes available.
"Vaccination is one of the best measures that we can take to prevent the flu," Katkowsky said. "The Northern Kentucky Health Department will soon be holding vaccination clinics and will continue to distribute vaccine to providers."
In most instances, H1N1 swine flu can be treated at home with fever-reducing medication, rest and liquids. Certain symptoms signal a more serious infection and require immediate attention.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness or confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
