Six-year-old boy dies from H1N1 flu

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile County Health Department was notified Friday that the death of a six-year-old boy on Feb. 27 has been attributed to H1N1 influenza. The death brings the number of H1N1 flu deaths of Mobile County residents to four, the first of which occurred in October 2009.

According to Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer, H1N1 influenza continues to be the dominant flu virus circulating in Mobile County.

“This should serve as a strong reminder of the need for everyone to take steps to prevent its transmission and to get immunized,” he says. “Everyone is eligible for this safe vaccine, and it’s not too late.”

The Health Department is offering free vaccinations to protect against H1N1 flu Mondays through Fridays at its 251 N. Bayou St. facility. The hours are 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and appointments are not needed. Parents are reminded that children less than 10 years old who have received the first dose of H1N1 vaccine need to get a second dose in order for the vaccine to be effective. The interval between the first and second dose should be at least 28 days. It is not too late, however, even if it has been longer than 28 days.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following people should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician: 

• People who have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to chicken eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine
• People who have had a life-threatening reaction after receiving a dose of the seasonal flu vaccine
• People who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• People who have a moderate or severe illness

Dr. Eichold advises people to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of colds and flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have tissue, cough and sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand   
   sanitizers are also effective
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, germs spread this way
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading germs to others