Officials at the health department say a 19-year-old with a pre-existing condition died of swine flu. He's the city's fourth death due to the virus and the 13th death in the area.
Because of the swine flu doctors are now saying stopping the spread of the virus comes down to what you do at home. Especially since many hospitals are still waiting on the vaccine.
The Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital has received 220 doses of the nasal swine flu vaccine. But the Houston Health Department is still waiting for its next shipment. So are some other hospitals.
Doctors urge you to take extra precautions, especially since catching swine flu can be as easy as going to the store.
"Really they say somebody within six feet of someone who is sick is at risk for getting the virus. So pretty much we're all going to be at risk if anybody's going out," said Kristy Murray, DVM, PHD Epidemiologist, UT School of Public Health.
So here are a few things you can do to help prevent contamination. First, wash your hands and also keep your hands dry. The virus can live on wet surfaces for several days. Doctors recommend you take a multi-vitamin. Here's one common misconception, a face mask will not protect you from the swine flu.
If anything, those who are sick should wear the mask themselves to prevent the spread.
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