Updated 11/03/2009 06:03 AM
Two local deaths linked to H1N1
Two people have died from H1N1. They are the first two Capital Region deaths because of the virus. But as our Curtis Schick reports, authorities say H1N1 deaths are rare.
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CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. -- Two people in our area have died from the H1N1 virus, making them the first two Capital Region deaths.
One was an elderly person in Warren County and the other is a small child in Albany County.
Any death of a child is a tragedy and our condolences go out to the family," said Albany County Health Commissioner Dr. James Crucetti.
Crucetti could not say who the child is, but did say the child was sick before getting H1H1. He says H1N1 deaths are rare.
"For the vast majority of individuals, it will be a miserable illness but you will recover, So it is important to keep things in perspective," said Crucetti.
Crucetti says his office receives hundreds of calls a day from people looking for the H1N1 vaccine. A national shortage has made it hard to come by. Few can receive the vaccine until suppliers ramp up production. It's something Crucetti hopes will happen soon.
"We are ready," Crucetti said. "If we had more vaccine, we would be out in the community conducting public vaccination clinics."
The rapid spread of H1N1 has Glens Falls Hospital taking action. For now, kids younger than 18 that are not patients are not allowed inside. A spokesperson says this is to prevent flu from spreading and the ban will be in place for the entire flu season.