Press Release
NOVEMBER 16th, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CONTACT: TIM O’CONNOR
PHONE: 561-671-4013
FAX:
561-837-5197 |
PALM BEACH
COUNTY, FL - The Palm
Beach County Health Department
is continuing its surveillance
and monitoring of the H1N1 Swine
flu virus. The County’s eleventh
death was confirmed today in a
78 year old female who was
hospitalized with an underlying
illness. To date the county has
seen 83 persons hospitalized
with the virus and 37 of those
people were admitted to the ICU.
Health Department Director,
Alina Alonso, M.D. said, “We
extend our sincere sympathies to
the family of this woman. This
pandemic continues to claim
lives, so it is important for
all to remain alert to the signs
and symptoms of this flu and
seek medical attention if the
fever, coughs and sneezes
worsen. Unfortunately, the flu
virus can leave vulnerable
individuals susceptible to
opportunistic infection, so it’s
important for those with chronic
illness or conditions that put
them at risk to get vaccinated
against flu.”
Experience with this virus shows
this strain, like all influenza,
is unpredictable. However,
because novel H1N1 is a new
virus, many people may have
little or no immunity against
it, and illness may be more
severe and widespread as a
result. In addition, it is
recommended those at risk should
get the H1N1 vaccine to protect
against the novel H1N1 virus. At
this time, the Health
Department, along with the CDC,
advises that businesses,
schools, day care centers, and
the like remain open even if a
case of H1N1 is identified.
These facilities should follow
the protocols they have in place
for any ill person.
Dr. Alonso recommends the
following:
People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or
school to avoid
spreading infections, including
influenza, to others in the
community.
-
Avoid close contact with
people who are coughing
or otherwise appear ill.
-
Avoid touching your
eyes, nose and mouth.
-
Cover your cough and
sneezes
-
Wash hands frequently to
lessen the spread of
respiratory illness.
-
Stay home if you are
sick.
-
Get Vaccinated.
If you think you have
influenza, please call your
health care provider or the
health department and
discuss whether you need to
be seen in their office,
emergency department or stay
home. Three websites are
also updated regularly
www.FightFluFlorida.com,
www.cdc.gov,
www.myflusafety.com
locally information can be
also obtained by calling 211
or 1- 888-411-4FLU (4358).
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