Colorado Man Dies of H1N1 Virus

Back to 11 For Health
Updated: 5:17 PM Oct 5, 2009 Colorado Man Dies of H1N1 Virus COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) -- The Adams County coroner says swine flu caused the death of a 25-year-old Commerce City man who had sought medical treatment for an upper respiratory illness. Posted: 5:17 PM Oct 5, 2009 Reporter: AP

Font Size:

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) -- The Adams County coroner says swine flu caused the death of a 25-year-old Commerce City man who had sought medical treatment for an upper respiratory illness.

Coroner James Hibbard said Monday that the man died Sept. 29. His name wasn't released.

Hibbard says the man had complained to his doctor about a sinus problem but wasn't showing any flu symptoms such as a high fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea. Hibbard says the man was obese, but it's unclear if that played any role in his death. The man was not known to have other pre-existing conditions.

As of Sept. 26, at least six deaths associated with flu had been reported to state health officials.

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to arrive in Colorado beginning this week.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Dena Location: Colorado Springs on Oct 6, 2009 at 12:48 PM

This is yet another time I have seen doctors say that obesity had no role in a swine flu death (Katie Couric's news report was another). How can they say that? Obesity is costing this nation millions in healthcare and doctors are still unwilling to list it as a primary cause in deaths such as these? If you are obese, your heart works harder, your organs work harder, and your system is taxed, plain and simple. Thus your imunity is lower. It's common sense people!

Posted by: Holly on Oct 6, 2009 at 11:00 AM

It has been shown that being obese- and also being pregnant- constricts the airflow to the lungs, and those are two higher risk groups concerning the H1N1 virus because of that reason. Him being obese may very well have played a part in his death. Condolences to the family.

Posted by: Eileen Location: Commerce City on Oct 6, 2009 at 09:19 AM

Whoa, Erin! No one said that! Though I understand where you're coming from. Obesity poses a formidable health risk, though there is little criticism tossed the way of those who shun exercise, smoke, drink excessively and gargle trans fats, though remain slender - though they are, quite possibly, closer to sickness or death. In this case, I believe the author was simply pointing out that the man's physical condition may have played a part in his obviously weakened immune system.

Click here to post or read all 4 comments.

More Stories

11 for Health Links
	El Paso County's H1N1 Informational Video The El Paso County Department of Health and Environment has created an informational video about H1N1 and the community vaccination clinics being held throughout the county. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml3cGPIFEA8
	Feb 6, 2008 - Go Red For Women Go Red for Women to help heart disease! http://www.goredforwomen.org/
	Arthritis Foundation The Arthritis Foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
	American Diabetes Association The mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
	Peak Vista Community Health Centers Peak Vista is a nonprofit health center dedicated to medical and dental service of persons of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds in the Pikes Peak region through eleven outpatient primary medical clinics and a dental clinic.
	March of Dimes The March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
	El Paso County Health Department Log onto the El Paso County Department of Health & Environment Web Site to get information on programs and services. Watch KKTV 11 News This Morning on Tuesdays for important health news and information.
	American Heart Association The American Heart Association supports research, education, and community programs leading the fight against America’s No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease.