(release from Genesee County Health Dept) The Genesee County Health Department is announcing the death of a school age child with confirmed H1N1 influenza. To protect the privacy of the family, the Genesee County Health Department is not releasing any identifying information about the child.

Genesee County has begun receiving H1N1 vaccine and will continue to schedule clinics as sufficient supplies are available. The local media will be utilized to convey clinic information to the community through the Daily News, WBTA, The Batavian, local Pennysavers and the Health Department website at www.co.genesee.ny/dpt/publichealth.

The priority groups recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

·Pregnant women.
·Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age.
·Health care and emergency medical services personnel.
·All people from 6 months through 24 years of age.
·Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The Genesee County Health Department advises residents to practice these strategies to decrease the spread of H1N1 in our community:

·Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and then wash your hands.
·Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
·Avoid people who are ill.
·Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs can spread that way.
·If you have influenza-like illness (fever >100°F with cough or sore throat) stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away, without using any fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil).
·Clean shared space more often such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment.