![[SeMissourian.com]](http://gcdailyworld.com/images/nameplate.png)
RSS
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Read comments (33)
Share link
del.icio.us
Digg
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Newsvine
Facebook
Furl
Reddit
GoogleFred Ridge, M.D. -- the Greene County Health Officer -- announced in a Saturday morning news release to the Greene County Daily World that a county resident had died from "H1N1 flu related complications."
The victim was identified Monday afternoon by Greene County Coroner Brian Gainey as 57-year-old Rebecca J. Lundy of Linton.
Gainey, under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, released that Lundy died at 8 a.m. on Oct. 27 at her residence.
He said the death certificate, which he expects to sign in the next few days, will list the cause of death as H1N1 complications.
"It was H1N1 influenza," he said.
Ridge confirmed to the Greene County Daily World on Sunday evening that the death took place last week.
"The death occurred in Linton last week and confirmation came from H1N1 testing from the state late Friday. The person was in one of the five priority groups that we are targeting with our immunization clinics, but preliminary data indicated that they had not been immunized. They were not a child or young adult, which are groups that I know people are especially worried about, and reports are that they (the victim) did suffer from an underlying chronic illness (asthma). They were not hospitalized," the county medical director stated.
Ridge added, "We are deeply saddened by this death and our sympathies go out to the family."
Lundy worked for Four Rivers Developmental Service in Lyons as a Qualified Medical Assistant and a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Funeral services were conducted Friday at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton. Burial was at Switz City Cemetery.
With the latest death in Greene County, the state death toll from the 2009 H1N1 flu is at 15.
The Indiana Department of Health reports recent H1N1 related deaths in Hamilton, Allen and Jackson counties.
In a weekly update from the CDC issued on Friday, officials reported:
* Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased steeply since last week in the United States, and overall, are much higher than what is expected for this time of the year. ILI activity now is higher than what is seen during the peak of many regular flu seasons.
* Total influenza hospitalization rates for laboratory-confirmed flu are climbing and are higher than expected for this time of year. Hospitalization rates continue to be highest is younger populations with the highest hospitalization rate reported in children 0-4 years old.
* Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 114 laboratory-confirmed pediatric 2009 H1N1 deaths and another 12 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but where the flu virus subtype was not determined.
* Forty-eight states -- including Indiana -- are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. This many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu.
* Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.
The Greene County medical officer reminds local residents that precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of this virus.
Among his suggestions are:
* Clean your hands frequently.
* Cover your cough and sneeze.
* Contain your germs by staying home if sick.
Ridge said the Greene County Health Department has been offering free H1N1 immunizations to individuals in high risk target populations for the past two weeks.
"Plans are being finalized to start school immunization clinics as soon as adequate vaccine supplies are received from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)."
For more information about H1N1 immunizations, contact the Greene County Health Department by calling 384-4496.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
This is really starting to hit home. I have 3 kids, ages 8, 7, and 4. I'm so paranoid and I freak out even if they sneeze now. My heart goes out to the family.
Sometimes I feel that I'm the only person in the world who isn't scared of this whole H1N1/09 virus. It's a lot better than some of the other influenza subtypes you could get (like A(H5N1)). Just take the precautions you would with any other seasonal flu and you'll be alright.
The other biggie that bothers me is the people who are saying that the vaccine for H1N1/09 is bad for you. Well, it's not any worse than other flu vaccines.
The Gov't is using the same methods it uses to make every other flu vaccine--which is why it's taking so long to get it out to everyone (the vaccine grows about half as fast as the usual seasonal flu).
So please, if you don't know what you're talking about... DO NOT spread any fear, uncertainty and doubt. It just makes everything worse.
My heart goes out to the family for the loss of their loved one.
It scares me greatly..
So far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person-to-person has been very rare, limited and unsustained.
the H1N1 is widely spread from person-to-person and it is here.
I fear it is going to take the path that the 1918 flu did.
In 2006 there were meetings held through out the county on the preparing for the flu to come. I was amazed when I attended this meeting that there were only a hand full of people there..
and per moenia urbis I am a bit confused by your post.. one part says.. "Just take the precautions you would with any other seasonal flu and you'll be alright."
and another part says.."So please, if you don't know what you're talking about... DO NOT spread any fear, uncertainty and doubt."
I must agree with per moenia urbis. Of course we could be wrong, time will tell.
We must all trust in the Lord that this is the best for us. We know he will provide for us all in time of need (Matthew 6:25).
God Bless you all
pinkpanther82, did you take your kids to the Health Department for vaccinations? If you didn't you should so you don't have to worry about them.
I do hope that they do the vaccinations at the school soon! I wasn't going to get my kids vaccinated for it, but I'm really considering it now.
Some additional info would be helpful! Was this person elderly with other health problems or a young healthy person with only swine flu?
My 5 year old nephew had the swine flu and it was just like any other virus kids get. He complained of a headache, had about 101-102 fever, and a cough. They took him in and got him started on Tamiflu and he's fine now. Tamiflu doesn't cure the swine flu, but it helps prevent complications, so I've heard. You do need to start it within 48 hours of symptoms... this info came from their doctor.
His grandma, who has had cancer and heart problems, also got the swine flu and she's fine, too! She was a prime candidate for things to go south, but with prayer and rest, she's fine!
I wouldn't get too freaked out about it....remember, it's in our media's best interest to keep everybody all freaked out so they'll tune in! ;)
I definitely agree with Chaney!
I am very sorry for the family's loss.
With all the conflicting information, it has been difficult making the decision about the vaccination for h1n1. I am hearing that it is only going to get worse and people will be scrammbling around later in the winter trying to get vaccinations because of the fear. Then I hear that it is not as bad as feared and it is actually becoming weaker. I hear get the vaccination, but not the nasal mist due to the live virus. Then I read the story on the gal trying out for the Washington Redskins Cheer team and her unfortunate incident. Just concerned for the health of my family and others.
I agree with PinkMarie. I too would like some more info as to the age and previous health of this individual.
My teenage grandaughter also had swine flu. It was no worse than any other flu and she was better within four days. She was also put on Tamiflu.
It does sound so serious and scary when you hear someone has died from this flu but it is usually, (not always though) someone that has a weak immune system and/or other contributing factors.
I just read some information on the Children's Hospital of Boston webpage. The h1n1 nasal mist is a live virus that is not recommended for those with underlying health problems. What if you do not know you have an "underlying" health problem? Many people just don't know. Also the information said that with the live virus, there is a small chance of the vaccinated person to spread it to others.
I think there's plenty to be worried about if your kids are vaccinated. Like, is the vaccine safe? Is it effective? Will my child have a serious reaction?
It's a silly and foolhardy thing to believe that just because one can be vaccinated that they are then olly-olly-in-for-free.
Chaney, you trust in the Lord all you want, but I would still appreciate it if you would cover your mouth when you sneeze.
While H1N1 concerns me, I'm not sure whether it is enough to concern me more than the common flu usually does. I think it is being blown way out of proportion. People die from the flu every year, whether it's the H1N1 or not. I think it is an attempt by the government and medical facilities to scare people into pumping their money into the system for a relatively unknown vaccine that people are scared to take.
My son had confirmed H1N1, missed 8 days of school, he also has other medical problems, so it was a rough ride for him, i started the same symptons just a couple days later and missed alot of work, it was scarey and it was miserable, I am a healthcare worker, you can take all the precautions possible, and you may still get this virus,i sure did,I am seeing people in public, sick, sneezing, coughing, you name it, and they do not have the decency to stay home to protect others, the schools are full of it,please if your sick , stay home.
prayers going out to the family of the one who was lost to this virus. I have mixed feelings on the vaccination for this flu we have not vaccinate for it however thats not to say we wont. I agree with people needing to stay home if they are sick however my son and i have both been out in public with coughing and sneezing but we have also been to the dr. and are not contagious we merely both have sinus infections and have no temperatures. so you cant always say that someone out in public with a cough or sneeze is spreading a virus because we are not. i even kept my son home from school to take him to the dr and was told he was fine and could go back the next day.
Folks,
Everything in this world is not a government conspiracy.
Most of you have doctors.....Why don't you listen to them? They are the professionals. Don't listen to anyone on this web site....even if they say they are in the medical professional...How do you know?
And, if you can't trust your doctor, you need to get another one.
if you worry and stress over h1n1 then u will end up with it. All you can do is live life to the fullest each day and live each day like its your last. just be glad that god gave you life and quit worrying so much
this may sound kind of paranoid but here goes...the government has a huge health insurance problem..most of those folks wont get a vaccine.. so if the flu does "run wild" the uninsured will be the folks most likely to be infected, alot already in poor health because they are "uninsured"..ponder on that!!
For those of you that are unaware, you do not have to have insureance to get the vaccine. If you read the story above, "the Greene County Health Department has been offering free H1N1 immunizations to individuals in high risk target populations for the past two weeks."
Hoosier4Life
I called the Health Department about the vaccination and although they had them, they were only giving them on Saturdays. Said they were not available during the week. All members of my immediate family qualify as high risk.
I don't understand why the newspaper is accepting confidentiality as a reason for not at least releasing the person's age. Many other news outlets covering H1N1 related deaths have released the person's name and even interviewed his/her family. Keeping so much information "confidential" only fuels rumor and speculation about an already confusing issue. I would like to see some more fact-finding.
Thanks, Nick. I appreciate the response.
I am trying to stay up with this, but what are the 5 most at risk groups alluded to in the story? I know expectant mothers and young children, but what are the other 3? And what is the age spread of "young children"?
* Pregnant women;
*Children from 6 months to 24 years;
*People living with or caring for children under 6 months of age;
* Individuals from 25 to 64 years of age with underlying chronic conditions or who are immune compromised; and
* Health care providers and emergency medical services workers.
i am so sorry to hear of this tragic and unfortunate loss; my heart and prayers to the family for strength during your time of sorrow.
to the people who think h1n1 is some conspiracy thought up to help make a little extra money for the government and the healthcare system......get a life!!! which is it, the insurance companies have too much money and charge ridiculous prices for services; healthcare is too expensive; the government should take over healthcare; or they should give a public option....???? no matter what, you won't be happy...that's for sure! i think you need to start looking at the harsh reality of this situation....society is in a dangerous and scary situation that is spinning wildly out of control; the government has forced their control over more than two-thirds of our lives---credit cards, banks, the auto industry, and soon healthcare! open your eyes before that becomes illegal also...we are becoming solely reliant upon the government for our day-to-day lives. i don't know how much more needs to happen before we start seeing the light but if we don't hurry...the light might just blind us!
What are we supposed to do if your child is allergic to what the vaccine is made of? My son is highly allergic to eggs and the vaccine is made with chicken embroys.
That is why it is so important for those that can get the vaccine to do the responsible thing and be vaccinated. If they don't then they are putting those that cannot have the vaccine due to allergies at serious risk by spreading the virus!!! People need to wake up and think about that rather than spreading inaccurate information about the vaccine. You are the people that are putting her son at risk.
My child came home from school saying they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbows with Germie Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always used my hands. But I went to the website, and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! Kids can touch up to 300 surfaces in 1/2 an hour, and they hate to wash their hands. This is a simple thing that can make a huge difference. There is also an entertaining DVD that teaches kids how to do this and reinforces other important preventative habits. Even if you get the vaccination, you can still be a carrier of H1N1, which is why this 'hands-on' prevention is so important.
marymoran..my son learned the same thing....i had never thought of it that way but had always used my hand too.... he came home yesterday with a little bar of soap they learned about washing their hands to get rid of germs.. he liked the lesson he said to me mommy they tried to make us understand about germs but i already understanded...it was cute the way he said it but made me proud that he understood already..
Why wasn't she hopitalized? When diagnosed was it too late for treatment in order to survive. It is my understanding the symptons react fast.
Three of my four girls have been vaccinated. Two received the MIST one got the shot. The fourth was out of town with her dad. She will be vaccinated on the 24th when we have to take the two youngest to get their follow up vaccine.
she had been ill for several weeks, her age is in this article and in her obit.
we need to use common sense. people stay home if you don't feel well, don't go shopping, don't go get your hair done, keep your hands moisturized when using all this germ x it dries the skin out and gives germs a deeper crevase to hang out in so to speak
god rest your sould Becky, you will be missed by many