By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-857403.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Dallas County is reporting a death from the H1N1 flu. KERA's BJ Austin says health officials are urging people to get a "seasonal" flu shot first then an H1N1 booster when that vaccine becomes available.
Dallas County Medical Director Dr. John Carlo says the County's first H1N1 flu death was a 52 year old female who was died last Friday. Dr. Carlo says there were underlying medical problems.
Carlo: I don't have any other information on her medical condition. And I don't think we're going to be reporting on that other than she did have a medical condition that would put here at risk.
The Dallas County Health Department begins giving seasonal flu shots Monday. Director Zack Thompson says it's extremely important to get BOTH flu shots this year.
Thompson: We know that H1N1 is in out community. We're going to continue to see significant cases in Dallas County, as we're going to see throughout the nation. And possible deaths associated. Should people be afraid? Yes, they should be afraid, because it is a lot of unknowns in this: but not the extent that we're paralyzed and not able to move thru our daily activities.
Thompson says local health departments are expecting the first doses of the new H1N1 vaccine in mid October. They will be targeted first at certain groups: pregnant women, persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than six months, health-care and emergency medical services personnel, children and young adults 6 months--24 years, and adults who have medical conditions.
In Tarrant County, health officials are launching an aggressive public education campaign about preventing the spread of flu: get a flu shot; wash your hands; cover coughs and sneezes; and stay home if you're sick. Seasonal flu shots will be available thru Tarrant Public Health starting Tuesday.