Story Created:
Nov 9, 2009 at 2:40 PM CST
Story Updated:
Nov 9, 2009 at 6:02 PM CST
DES MOINES - Two more people have died from the H1N1 flu virus in Iowa. The Department of Public Health says the victims are two Polk County adults with risk factors that increased the chance of complications.
“School absenteeism related to illness may be declining,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “However, illness among adults is increasing. Most adults will recover from H1N1 without complications; however, there are warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention.”
Signs include:
* Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
* Purple or blue discoloration of lips.
* Vomiting and unable to keep liquids down.
* Feeling dizzy when standing.
* Unable to urinate.
Public Health reminds people the importance to take personal action to prevent the spread of illness. These steps include cleaning your hands frequently; covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve; and containing germs by staying home when ill.
Symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal influenza and include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with H1N1 flu also have diarrhea and vomit.
There are 16 confirmed H1N1 deaths in Iowa, including 15 adults and one child, and nearly 500 Iowans have been hospitalized.
For more information about H1N1 influenza, visit
www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1. Iowans with questions about H1N1 may also call the toll-free Influenza Hotline at 1-800-447-1985.
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