H1N1 death toll in Idaho rises to 11 as swine flu keeps spreading

H1N1 flu is still spreading in Idaho, and it has claimed at least one more victim in the past week, the state Health and Welfare Department said Wednesday.

According to the department:

Death toll rises to 11: H1N1 infections have contributed to the reported deaths of 11 Idahoans. Reports of additional deaths are under investigation to determine whether H1N1 is a factor.

Swine flu is still spreading:The number of lab-confirmed infections continues to increase, along with the number of people hospitalized for H1N1 infections.

During the past week, 78 additional lab-confirmed infections have been reported. Since Sept. 1, Idaho has had 302 hospitalized cases of influenza. Health and Welfare will update www.panflu.idaho.gov with the number of reported lab-confirmed 2009 H1N1-associated deaths as those become available.

Young people are affected most:The average age of people H1N1 infections confirmed by lab analysis since Sept. 1 is 18.

Only a small portion of people infected with influenza are tested and receive laboratory confirmation. The Idaho Bureau of Laboratories is testing only people who are hospitalized or who are high-risk for flu complications, although private labs are submitting results for positive cases.

More vaccines are on the way: As of Nov. 3, Idaho has been allocated 165,200 doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. School clinics for children around the state are starting up again in some areas. Initial shipments are being distributed directly to full-service hospitals, community health centers and local public health districts. Idaho’s allotment is being distributed statewide on a population basis, with new shipments arriving weekly.

Young children need a 2nd dose:Children 6 months through 9 years old need a second dose of H1N1 vaccine at least four weeks after their first dose. Parents whose children received vaccinations in the earliest clinics held in the state should begin making plans for their children to receive a second dose.