___PRESS RELEASE___

As of 11/10/09 Florida cumulatively reported:
· 1054 hospitalizations in persons with lab confirmed H1N1.
· 160 deaths reported with lab confirmed H1N1.
· Overall mortality with influenza or pneumonia is slightly above the expected value for the time of year.

Widespread influenza activity is being reported in five Florida counties. The number of counties reporting widespread activity has stabilized over the past several weeks. There is no evidence that the virus has changed to a more virulent form, either in Florida, the rest of the U.S., or elsewhere in the world.

Updated Swine Flu Deaths: 160

Additional laboratory H1N1 Swine flu deaths have been verified in the following: a 25-year-old male in Calhoun County, a 36-year-old male in Escambia County, a 48- year-old male in Hillsborough County, a 50-year-old male in Hillsborough County, an 11-year-old female in Lee County, a 45-year-old female in Miami-Dade County, a 46- year-old female in Miami-Dade County, a 50-year-old male in Orange County, a 71- year-old male in Palm Beach County, a 45-year-old female in Seminole County and a 70-year-old male in Sumter County.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of these individuals," said Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros. "H1N1 Swine Flu, like seasonal flu, can in some circumstances be very serious, therefore, all of us should continue to adhere to good health practices including, stay home if sick, cover cough and sneeze, and wash hands frequently."

The State Surgeon General provided these recommendations:
People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.

· Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

· Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.

· People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician

If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home.