The H1N1 (swine flu) virus has contributed to the death of an Elmore County woman in her 30s who had underlying medical conditions, according to officials of the Central District Health Department.  This is the first confirmed death associated with the H1N1 flu virus in Elmore County and for the CDHD.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of this woman,” says Nikki Sakata, Program Manager of the CDHD Communicable Disease Control division. “This death is a sobering reminder that influenza is serious, especially for those who have underlying medical conditions.”

A total of 742 people in Idaho have lab-confirmed infections from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu virus since September 1. Public health officials believe a far larger number of people have become infected with the H1N1 virus, but have not been tested.

Officials say symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, with some reports of diarrhea and vomiting.  Most infected individuals recover well with rest at home, but some people remain at higher risk of serious effects of influenza infection.

People considered to be high risk for H1N1 pandemic flu infection include: Pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, all people from 6 months through 24 years of age, and persons aged 25 through 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.