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Suncoast Pasco News

Swine flu death reported

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BY GEOFF FOX

THE TAMPA TRIBUNE

Published: October 21, 2009

The second swine flu-related death in Pasco County has been confirmed about a week after the first. County health officials said Friday a 45-year-old man tested positive for H1N1. He also had underlying health problems. No other information about the man was available.

"H1N1 is still occurring in our county, and as a community we need to continue to follow the recommended precautions to avoid spreading infections," David Johnson, director of the Pasco County Health Department, said in a news release.

To combat the flu, officials recommend getting vaccinated; practicing everyday prevention tips such as: frequent hand washing; covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezes; staying home when sick; and using doctor-recommended anti-viral drugs properly.

The Health Department received 2,500 doses of injectable vaccine Thursday.

The county previously had received 4,600 doses of FluMist vaccine, which is sprayed into the nose.

Counties can apply for more vaccinations as needed.

The statewide number of swine flu-related deaths reached more than 120 this week. Six deaths have been reported on the Suncoast, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Swine flu can be mild or severe in different people and may make underlying chronic medical conditions worse.

As concerns over the virus spread, the county school district has urged children not to share supplies, among other common sense-type guidelines. Beyond that, preventive measures are mostly left to individual schools.

News of the recent deaths comes just over a month after the Saint Leo University women's soccer team was forced to cancel two games because five players had swine flu.

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