Death associated with flu

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has reported that a second jurisdictional death associated with this year’s flu has occurred.

The victim was a St. Joseph County man who tested positive for Influenza A/H1N1, which is the predominant influenza strain making the rounds this year, according to the health department.

The victim, who was more than 60 years old, also suffered from other chronic conditions, which may have complicated his recovery. The first flu-associated death occurred in January at an out-of-state facility to an elderly woman who previously resided in Hillsdale County.

Steve Todd, Health Officer for the tri-county health department, said vaccine remains the best defense against the flu.

Some pharmacies are still providing flu shots. Flu vaccines are also still available at the health department and will provide protection against the strains it contains for up

to a year.