Three Influenza Deaths Announced
Health District Urges Prevention, Including Vaccination
Three residents of Spokane County have recently died from complications linked to Influenza A. As H1N1 (swine) influenza is the sole influenza in current circulation, the type of influenza is likely the H1N1 virus.
"Every death from influenza is tragic and a reminder of how this virus can have very serious consequences," said Dr. Joel McCullough, Health Officer for Spokane Regional Health District. "Now is the time for people to be vigilant in preventing the spread of the flu and for people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated."
The three deaths include:
- A man in his 40's with no known underlying health conditions
- A woman in her 40's with underlying health conditions
- A woman in her 60's with no known underlying health conditions
Although most cases of influenza can be safely managed at home, anyone who has an underlying health condition who develops symptoms of the flu should contact their healthcare provider.
H1N1 flu symptoms typically include:
- Fever – often over 101
- Cough or sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches, headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting (less common symptoms)
If someone becomes ill and experiences any of the following warning signs, they should seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough