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By Kelly Mori, Staff Writer Updated 10:19 AM Thursday, November 5, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Most cases of the H1N1 virus have been mild but as it continue to spread, the number of people who are hospitalized or die will likely increase. That is why local health officials are urging eligible residents to get vaccinated.

“Sadly, we are aware of at least 22 deaths in the state,” said Kristopher Weiss, spokesman for the Ohio Department of Health. There were likely more that were not counted “because H1N1 deaths in adults is not reportable, only pediatric flu-related deaths.”

Clark County reported its first flu-related death this week when 26-year-old Tasha Robinson, of Springfield, who had no underlying medical conditions, died from complications on Oct. 27.

While young children, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of experiencing complications from the flu, it is impossible to know exactly how any one individual will be affected by the virus, said Clark County Coroner Dr. Richard Marsh, who investigated Robinson’s death. The seasonal flu alone kills 3,000 Ohioans annually and 36,000 nationally.

Widespread vaccination is the best way to control the virus’ spread, thus reducing the odds of deaths, said Charles Patterson, Clark County health commissioner. “When you’re vaccinated, you not only protect yourself and your family, but you’ll feel good to know you’re helping the community as well.”

The H1N1 vaccine continues to provide protection from the virus, which is also still responding well to anti-virals such as Tamiflu, Weiss said. “We have nothing to indicate that (H1N1) is getting more virulent.”

Springfield Regional Medical Center conducted more than 1,300 flu tests in October. Thirty-seven people were hospitalized with 12 individuals on ventilators. This week a 13-year-old, who experienced “a fairly sudden onset with respiratory distress than respiratory failure,” was put on a ventilator and is being treated at Children’s Medical Center in Dayton, said Dr. Stephen Feagins, Springfield Regional’s chief medical officer.

For more information about the flu or the H1N1 vaccine, contact the Clark County Combined Health District at 390-5600 or visit www.ccchd.com.

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