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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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It's my understanding that the Combined Health Districe DOES NOT have any flu serum available. These articles and comments are just PR unless they can give the good to the citizens.

Diane
5:08 PM, 11/6/2009

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Food4thought....maybe the girl had no need for vaccines because SHE WASN'T AROUND ANY OTHER KIDS. D'uh.

Karpis
10:05 PM, 11/5/2009

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:) find your comments about vaccine interesting and clearly you are a well educated person as to research all of the proper journals. I only pray that you have no children and if so they stay in the house away from others because if something were to happen to them.....i find that simple neglect. Good luck with your ongoing research.

Educated
4:29 PM, 11/5/2009

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Another glance and I caught something that needed a response. You mentioned only the healthy will survive..that's right! That is nature honey! Anyone who injects foreign chemicals or substances into their body, whether pushed by big business or an addiction is NOT healthy!BTW,I've read every medical journal there is..pros and cons! That's part of making intelligent decisions! If you choose to inject your family for anothers profit..so be it! We let our IMMUNE systems work.thats what they're for!

:)
4:22 PM, 11/5/2009

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We don't actually ignore anything...we make intelligent decisions. Vaccines aren't intelligent decisions,whether it be for polio or a flu strain. IT IS BIG BUSINESS,whether you admit it or not! Someone is making alotof money from the guinea pigs that lined up for these "test" vaccines. Sorry..that's the truth!

:)
3:33 PM, 11/5/2009

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