FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2008

First confirmed flu death in Kansas City, Mo.

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department announced today that the flu is the cause of death of a Kansas City, Mo., resident. A 94-year-old woman died of the flu on March 4, according to a death certificate received by the City.

"Protecting people from influenza is a top public health and safety priority," said Dr. Rex Archer, director of the Health Department. "Most years in most cities, including Kansas City, we have more deaths from pneumonia and influenza than we have from homicides."

The best way to prevent influenza most years is to get a flu shot. The formula for next year's flu vaccine will be completely different than this year's vaccine. Other ways of preventing the spread of the flu include using your sleeve or a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or with a tissue, washing your hands regularly and staying home from school, work and social activities when you are sick.

"People in the highest risk groups don't always get the full effect of the flu shot," Archer said. "That makes it even more important for the rest of us to get our flu shots to help protect them from being exposed to the flu."

Those at highest risk of the flu include the elderly, the very young, those with chronic medical conditions and those who take medications or drugs. But, the flu can infect anyone. The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently expanded its recommendations to those who need the flu shot every year to include children ages 5 to 18.

Media inquiries about this topic should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).

Media inquiries about this topic should be directed to Jeff Hershberger, Health Department, (816) 840-2548 (pager).