Health News and Scoops

Folks, if you think the Swine Flu epidemic is a bunch of hype, this piece of news may evidently make believers out of you. It was unfortunate for this woman who reportedly died from the virus, who recently gave birth. She was only 33 years old.

This week should have been a joyous time for Judy Trunnell, a 33-year-old schoolteacher who had just given birth to a healthy baby girl.

But the friends and relatives whose cars lined the quiet street in front of her home in a quiet subdivision Tuesday instead were mourning her, the first American with swine flu to die.

“We’re grieving now,” said a woman with tear-streaked eyes who declined to give her name.

In Maryland, her cousin told WMAR-TV in Baltimore that Trunnell had died after spending two weeks in the hospital. She slipped into a coma, and her baby was delivered by Cesarean section, Mario Zamora said.

“She was just a beautiful person, warm at heart. She worked with disabled children as a teacher,” Zamora said. “Those that knew her will always remember her.”

Texas health officials stopped short of saying that swine flu caused Trunnell’s death. State health department spokeswoman Carrie Williams said the schoolteacher had “chronic underlying health conditions” but wouldn’t give any more details.

She died early Tuesday after being hospitalized since April 19, said Leonel Lopez, Cameron County epidemiologist.

Source

U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group, a leading operator of occupational health and urgent care centers in the nation, today announced that they are offering H1N1 vaccine shots for $15 per shot for both walk-ins — no appointments necessary — and onsite visits to businesses. Health centers in Spokane have new quantities of H1N1 vaccine available.

“With many experts expecting a new wave of H1N1 infections during the traditional flu season from now until March, we are doing our part by offering shots at $15 each during National Influenza Vaccination Week,” said Dr. Leonard Okun, National Medical Director for U.S. HealthWorks. “And because we’re not a public agency, U.S. HealthWorks isn’t overcrowded so you can avoid the long lines.”

Via

Current media attention forecasting the arrival of H1N1 flu vaccines in the next few weeks1 and stories about its potential as a pandemic2 have people focused on medicinal cures and treatments rather than prevention or perspective, according to Dr. Steven Marcus, Executive Medical Director of the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System (NJPIES). “The viral nature of this latest flu strain should be cause for greater use of the phone as the public’s first line of defense to reduce spread of infection,” Marcus notes. State residents can call trained medical professionals at the NJPIES hotline (1-800-222-1222) to get information about various flu strain symptoms, prevention measures, as well as treatments and proper dosages.

Public health officials agree that most cases of this season’s flu, including the H1N1 strain, will not require medical intervention, and will be best treated the old-fashioned way with bed rest and plenty of fluids. Those considered most at risk are those historically at highest risk for the flu, including pregnant women and people with preexisting chronic conditions. However, H1N1 is considered more contagious than the seasonal flu and children, rather than seniors, are likely more susceptible.

(Source) Press