H1N1 Flu or swine flu in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today the death of a 53-year-old Essex County resident, age 20, resident of Norfolk and a 21-year-old resident of the Hampden County all related H1N1. 3 residents of the health conditions that had to be put at greater risk of complications from the flu. This brings the total number of deaths related to H1N1 in Massachusetts to 10.

These deaths are a tragic reminder of how the flu can be serious for some people. Each year, seasonal influenza causes 250,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths nationwide. Certain groups of people are at higher risk of complications from the flu. These groups are: children under 2 years, adults older than 65 years, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. These people should call your doctor immediately to discuss appropriate treatment if they develop fever, cough, sore throat or runny nose.

Simple precautions to help stop the spread of the flu include:

* Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Cover your cough with a tissue or cough into the elbow, not your hands.
* If you are sick stay home from work and if your child is sick take home for 7 days or 24 hours after their symptoms disappear, whichever is longer.
* Stay informed on the latest news on influenza H1N1

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