The El Paso County Department of Health and Environment says a baby boy with underlying medical conditions has died of the H1N1 flu in El Paso County.

“This is very sad news and we want to express our deepest sympathy to the infant’s family,” said Kandi Buckland, R.N., M.P.A., executive director of the Health Department.

While most people can recover from flu at home, it can be serious enough to require hospitalization and result in death in some people, especially those in the high-risk groups, including infants.

The Health Department encourages everyone to continue practicing flu prevention:

· Stay home if you are sick with flu symptoms. Keep your children home if they are showing signs of illness. You are not safe to return to work or school until 24 hours after a fever ends without the help of fever-reducing medicines.

· Wash hands frequently

· Cough or sneeze into a tissue or a sleeve.

· Stay away from others who are sick

· Have an emergency plan in case you are sick or you have to care for someone in your family who is sick. Stock up on food, medications and other supplies.

· Get a seasonal flu shot

Because of the flu pandemic, it is still important to be vaccinated for protection from H1N1 flu. The Health Department plans to hold a community H1N1 flu vaccination clinic, Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Coronado High School, beginning at 10 a.m. Vaccine will be provided free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Those most at risk for H1N1 flu infection and flu complications will be vaccinated first:

· Pregnant women;

· Household contacts and caretakers of children under 6 months of age;

· All people 6 months through 24 years of age;

· All health care workers;

· Adults 25 years to 64 years of age with underlying health risk conditions.

Community H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic dates/times and locations:

· Coronado High School, 1590 W. Fillmore St., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m.

· New Life Church, 11025 Voyager Parkway, Friday, Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m.

· Harrison High School, 2755 Janitell Road, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4 p.m.

· The Hangar, 6436 S. Highway 85/87, Suite R, Fountain, CO, Thursday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.