A 31-year-old Athens woman who had been vaccinated to protect her against getting the flu died Tuesday of H1N1, otherwise known as swine flu, county health officials confirmed to The Post on Friday.
James Gaskell, health commissioner of the Athens City-County Health Department, said the hospital laboratories that he communicates with have reported one or two positive influenza cases per week this flu season, most of which are type A influenza cases that can infect animals.
Gaskell said that vaccines are effective about 85 percent of the time and some people have “underlying problems” that can spark the disease even after receiving a vaccination.
Smokers, people who have diabetes and pregnant women are among those who are more vulnerable to the disease.
He did not comment on which specific factor could have affected the Athens woman.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is also possible to contract the disease if one is exposed to the virus shortly before receiving the vaccine or while the vaccine is taking effect.
“Flu vaccination is not a perfect tool, but it is the best tool currently at our disposal to prevent flu,” according to the website.
Still, even though there is a chance that the vaccine will be ineffective, Gaskell said everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated each year.
Flu prevention also includes frequent hand washing, getting the proper amount of sleep and maintaining a healthy diet, among other precautions.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends staying home from work or school if infected to avoid spreading the disease.
“If you don’t have insurance, we’ll find a way to give you a vaccine,” Gaskell said. “People need to remember that their best defense is vaccination.”
Vaccinations are available at The Athens City-County Health Department, Holzer Clinic and OU’s Campus Care. O’Bleness Memorial Hospital could not be reached for comment by press time.
kf398711@ohiou.edu
@KellyPFisher
