Second swine flu death Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia Department of Health announced Wednesday a second death related to the swine flu virus (H1N1) in the Commonwealth.

In a release sent to WAVY.com, State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remley said the patient, an adult male, was from the Arlington Health District.

Dr. Remley said there were underlying health conditions that put the patient at greater risk of flu complications.

“We offer our condolences to the family for their loss,” Dr. Remley said. “The patient’s preexisting medical conditions, which increased his risk of complications from influenza, does not lessen the impact of his death.”

Nationwide there have been 127 deaths caused by the virus.

This is the second patient to have died from the virus in the past month. On June 2, 34-year-old April Wilson of Chesapeake died from the virus.

Some people are at higher risk for complications from the virus and are strongly encouraged to call their health care providers if they experience flu-like symptoms. These include people with underlying chronic health conditions, pregnant women, the elderly and the very young.

People also are advised to protect their health against influenza and other infectious diseases by:

• Staying home from work or school when ill and limiting their contact with others to keep from infecting them
• Calling their health care providers or their health department before seeking care for influenza-like illness so that the necessary infection control measures can be put in place
• Covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue in the trash after use
• Washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective
• Limiting close contact with sick people
• Preventing the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose or mouth