H1N1 factor in two area deaths

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kent County woman in her 50s and a Kalamazoo County person in the 40s died this week from various health conditions, including the H1N1 flu.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to this woman’s family and friends," Cathy Raevsky, Administrative Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department, said in a statement. “Flu activity has increased greatly around Michigan this week. While most cases of flu are mild, this tragedy is a reminder that flu can be a very serious illness andthat people with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe complications from the flu.”

The Kalamazoo County person died Thursda y at Bronson Hospital, and H1N1 was a factor in this death.

Michigan has had at least seven flu related deaths this season.The state is not separating H1N1 and seasonal flu. Each year Michigan has approximately 1,200 deaths related to the flu; nationally there's about 36,000 each year.

People more likely to experience complications from the flu and who should talk to a health care provider
if they get flu symptoms this season include:

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• People 65 and olde
• People who have cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders, or weakened immune systems

Also, it is important to know the emergency warning signs. If any of the following are indicated, the ill
should seek emergency medical care immediately:

In children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• 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 worse cough
• Fever with a rash