Swine Flu Death Toll Increases in South Florida, Vaccination Will Be Released This Fall

Federal officials have singled out pregnant women and children as high risk for the H1N1 virus and now must figure out how to convince them to get the vaccine this fall.

Because both groups have low rates of immunizations against the regular flu, health planners are concerned that there will be hesitation by parents to take the new vaccine or have their children vaccinated.

State officials reported a fourth H1N1 death in Palm Beach County today and two new deaths in Broward County. The state now has reported 31 swine flu deaths.

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5 Million Floridians May Contract H1N1

Information from a top state medical official states the 5 million Floridians could contract the swine flu within a year if the virus follows the pattern of previous pandemics.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that this pandemic could be similar to the 1957 Asian flu outbreak. Officials expect more cases of the H1N1 virus to be reported after public schools open next month.

Following are tips to prevent contracting the virus:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Get plenty of sleep.
3. Be physically active.
4. Manage your stress.
5. Drink plenty of fluids.
6. Eat nutrition food.
7. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
8. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

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Palm Beach County's 3rd Confirmed Swine Flu Death

The Palm Beach County health department confirmed yesterday that a 46 year old local woman has died of swine flu.

This makes the county's 3rd confirmed death from the H1N1 virus. Earlier cases were a 42 year old man and a 25 year old woman who died after giving birth to a son.

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