Louisiana Confirms Second, Third Deaths from H1N1 Flu

BATON ROUGE— The Louisiana Department of Health today confirmed that two additional Louisiana residents have died from complications from H1N1 flu.  Both individuals were adult males, one from central Louisiana and one from southwest Louisiana.

Personal details about the cases, including any potential underlying health conditions, will not be released to protect the privacy of the residents and their families.

State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry advised that Louisiana residents practice good hygiene habits and follow official public health advice to avoid spreading infections.

These actions can help protect individuals and their families, while at the same time preventing the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

• 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 close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

The CDC does NOT recommend the use of antivirals as a precautionary measure to prevent infection of any influenza virus. Antivirals should only be used for treatment of cases of influenza.

If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms and have other high-risk medical conditions like pregnancy, diabetes, or heart/lung conditions, you should contact your physician immediately.  Your doctor will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

LDH is continuing to monitor the progress of the H1N1 flu to alert the public to any significant changes that would impact the public's health. 

For more information on flu activity in Louisiana, including guidance for families and medical professionals, visitwww.flula.com.