Woman Dies From Probable Flu Related Causes

TYLER–The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health officials are investigating a highly probable case of H1N1 Influenza in Van Zandt County.

A 56-year-old Van Zandt County woman died on October 18, with flu related symptoms. Health officials are still waiting for H1N1 confirmation tests but the patient did test positive for influenza A. The patient also had underlying health conditions.

Shawn Clifford Nurse Epidemiologist for Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) says, "We want to take the opportunity to educate the community on the importance of prevention and vaccinations. Please get your flu shots when they become available and continue to take the precautions recommended by the CDC."

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

·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 that way.

·Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

·If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of this individual. We hope the community understands the importance of good hygiene habits to prevent the spread of the flu and we encourage individuals to continue to be educated on factual influenza information," says George Roberts, CEO of NETPHD.

For more information on H1N1 or Seasonal Influenza, call NETPHD at 877-244-9641 or visit texasflu.org.