First flu death of the year reported

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is reporting the first flu associated death this year, as the number of flu cases caused by Influenza A, H1N1 strain, increase.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is now reporting widespread flu activity throughout the state.
Widespread means that outbreaks of influenza or increases in influenza-like illnesses are being reported, and recent laboratory confirmations of influenza are also being reported in at least half the regions of the state.
Influenza A virus is the most common strain circulating this flu season. This is the strain that was also associated with the 2009 pandemic outbreak.
The health department continues to encourage people who have not been vaccinated to get their flu shot.
The victim was an older Hillsdale County resident with underlying health conditions.