A 78-year-old woman from the Wichita area has died from the H1N1 virus. Kansas Department of Health and Environment noted the woman had underlying health conditions that placed her at greater risk for death. 

So far, 27 people in Kansas have died from H1N1. Between Oct. 10 and Jan. 16, 521 people died from influenza or pneumonia, and 19 died from H1N1.

Over those three months, 6,671 people died from all causes.

“Flu activity normally peaks in February or March in Kansas, and it is possible that a similar pattern will occur this year with H1N1.” s

— Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, state health officer.

So, if you haven’t had flu shots, it’s still a good idea to get them. Both are available at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, 200 Maine.

For more data on influenza, visit our new health section.