The Fresno County Department of Public Health released this statement to Action News:
Influenza A H1N1 Death in Fresno County
Laboratory results have confirmed that a Fresno County woman has died from complications of Influenza A 2009 H1N1 infection. The woman had other underlying medical conditions which put her at risk for severe H1N1 illness and had been hospitalized. She had not received an influenza vaccination this flu season.
"It is with regret that I must inform our community of this death from H1N1 influenza infection," states Dr. Ken Bird, Fresno County's Interim Health Officer. "The majority of flu cases experience mild to moderate illness and recover. Tragically in this instance, this individual did not recover and we are all reminded of how serious this illness can be."
Vaccination is the best protection against influenza infection. Flu vaccination also helps prevent spread of the flu virus from person-to-person. The 2013-14 influenza vaccine protects against flu viruses which are most common during this year's flu season and does include the 2009 H1N1 strain. In accordance with federal and state guidelines, it is recommend that everyone six months of age and older be vaccinated regardless of health status. It is not too late to receive vaccination to help protect against influenza infection.
