40-Year-Old Naturita Man Dies From Swine Flu - CO
by Beverly CorbellOct 15, 2009
MONTROSE – A 40-year-old Naturita man died Wednesday from swine flu at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, according to Karen Connor of the Montrose County Health Department.
Connor said the man, whose name has not been released, had no previous health conditions that she’s aware of. She said the man’s death does not mean the disease is spreading any faster, but that it should be taken seriously and people in high risk categories should get a swine flu vaccination.
“It should not raise an alarm, but should indicate it can be a serious illness and people do need to get a vaccination,” she said.
The free flu shots are being offered at the Montrose Health Department today and tomorrow at 1845 South Townsend Avenue. Medical personnel up to age 49 and children ages 2 to 4 can receive the nasal mist vaccination, Connor said. Those giving direct patient care over the age of 49 can receive the injection. Pregnant women can receive the injection, but not the nasal mist, and anyone providing care for children under 6 should be immunized. Whether they get the mist or the shot depends on their age.
There is no charge for the flu vaccination, Connor said, but private practitioners may charge an administrative fee that can be billed to insurance.
http://www.telluridewatch.com/pages/contact_us/?
Swine flu deaths rise to 219 in Calif.
The Associated Press
Posted: 10/15/2009 12:34:20 PM PDT
Updated: 10/15/2009 12:34:20 PM PDT
LOS ANGELES—State health officials say there have been 219 swine flu deaths in California, up from 188 last month.
California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Mark Horton said Thursday in Sacramento that the number of deaths is expected to rise.
Horton says a sample of doctors from across the state are reporting that about 5 percent of their patients are presenting with symptoms of flu. About 2 percent is normal for this time of year.
Horton says about 95 percent of those presenting with flu symptoms this season have swine flu.
Swine flu vaccines continues to arrive in California, with 600,000 doses of the nasal spray and 150,000 doses of the injectable vaccine distributed to date.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_13569102