NORTH COAST, Calif. – A Mendocino County resident has died of the flu, according to health officials.
Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency Public Health was notified that an adult in northern Mendocino County died on Dec. 30 from chronic conditions which were complicated by the flu.
Public Health also received notification that eight patients have been admitted to local hospitals with confirmed cases of H1N1 flu.
Many California counties and other states are reporting patients who are critically ill with influenza, including healthy young adults.
The H1N1 strain appears to be the predominant strain circulating in California and the rest of the United States this flu season.
The H1N1 virus, which emerged during the 2009 pandemic, causes more illness in children and young adults, compared to older adults. It causes severe illness in all age groups, including those younger than 65 years of age.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. If you think you have the flu, please contact your physician or clinic.
This year’s influenza vaccine protects against the strains circulating in the state, including H1N1.
Mendocino County health officials ordered additional flu vaccine doses on Monday, with the hopes that the doses will be available within a week.
Once vaccinated, it takes approximately two weeks before you are fully protected against the flu. An influenza vaccination is especially important for pregnant women and other people at higher risk for the flu, according to health officials.
In Lake County, for information on available flu vaccinations, contact Lake County Public Health, http://health.co.lake.ca.us/ , 800-794-9291 or 707-263-1090.
It’s especially important to practice good health habits during flu season.
If you become ill, you should take actions to stop the spread of germs, including staying home when you are sick; covering your coughs and sneezes; washing your hands with soap and water; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and not returning to work or school until you have been without a fever for 24 hours.