PA Department of Health Confirms State's First Flu Death of the Season

Health Officials Stress Importance of Getting Vaccinated

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Health today confirmed a 45-year-old man from Lehigh County as Pennsylvania's first reported flu-related death of the 2010-11 flu season.

"This individual was confirmed to have 2009 H1N1, which we know is beginning to circulate," said acting Secretary of Health Michael Huff. "This year's seasonal influenza vaccine provides protection against 2009 H1N1, as well as two other strains of flu, A/H3N2 and influenza B. These strains are very well matched with what is circulating in Pennsylvania."

Vaccination against the flu is one of the best ways for Pennsylvanians to protect themselves and their loved ones.

The flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. Nationally, it is estimated that over 36,000 people die from flu-related complications each year. In Pennsylvania, approximately 1,000 deaths occur each year.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has now expanded the influenza vaccination recommendations for the 2010-11 flu season to include all individuals six months of age and older.

"There is plenty of vaccine available this year and vaccination is by far the most effective way to reduce the number of Pennsylvanians who will be sickened by the flu," added Huff.

Huff also suggested taking the following steps to help prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately discard the used tissue. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, but never into your hands or onto bare skin.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep your hands away from your face and do not touch your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Keep frequently used surfaces such as knobs, countertops and desks clean.
• Stay home from work or school whenever you are sick to avoid infecting others. For the flu, stay home until at least 24 hours after you are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications.  

Individuals seeking influenza vaccine are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or call 1-877- PA HEALTH. For more information on seasonal influenza, visit www.health.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Holli Senior, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health