5 H1N1-Related Deaths In Snohomish County

Five Snohomish County residents died from complications of H1N1 influenza, the Snohomish Health District announced Wednesday.

Four of the five individuals had underlying medical conditions. The deceased are an infant male from Tulalip, a Marysville man in his 50s, a Snohomish man in his 50s, a Bothell woman in her 60s, and an Everett woman in her 20s.

Between Sept. 19 and Dec. 1, 2009, 92 county residents have been hospitalized it influenza, said county spokesperson Christopher Schwarzen.

“Before we get further into the holiday season, now is the time for people to step up preventive measures such as covering coughs and washing hands, and for people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Health Officer and Director of Snohomish Health District.

Groups prioritized for vaccination are: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, persons ages 6 months through 24 years, people ages 25 through 64 years with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Families and individuals with insurance are still able to receive H1N1 vaccinations through their providers. For a complete list of providers with vaccine, go to http://www.snocoflu.com

Although most cases of influenza can be safely managed at home, anyone who has an underlying health condition and who develops symptoms of the flu should contact his or her health-care provider.

H1N1 flu symptoms typically include: fever – often above 101, cough or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting (less common symptoms).