September 16, 2009 DHH Confirms Eighth Death from H1N1 Flu

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sep 16, 2009 - The Louisiana Department of Health today confirmed that a resident of LDH Region 3, the Houma/Thibodaux area, has died from complications related to the 2009 H1N1 flu. The individual was an adult male, and the state’s eighth death related to H1N1 flu.

The department will not release other personal details about the individual to protect the privacy of the resident and his family.

Because the H1N1 virus spreads easily from person to person through droplets transmitted in coughs and sneezes, the department continues to advise residents to practice good hygiene habits and follow official public health advice to avoid spreading 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, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 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. Antiviral treatment is recommended for all hospitalized patients with confirmed, probable or suspected 2009 H1N1 or seasonal influenza, and is generally recommended for patients who are at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

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 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, visit www.flula.com.

The Louisiana Department of Health strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about LDH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov. 

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