State health officials yesterday announced six adults died from the swine flu in nine days this month.

The recent string of deaths does not mean the swine flu, or H1N1 flu as it is also known, has evolved into a more deadly virus, said Deputy Health and Senior Services Commissioner Susan Walsh. Most who contract the illness miss some school or work but recover quickly without a hospital stay.

But the illness has now been reported in every county since the initial outbreak in April, so people should take precautions, Walsh said.

"It is important that everyone remember the public health measures that can reduce the chances of contracting the disease Ð get vaccinated against H1N1, wash your hands frequently, cover your cough and stay home when you're sick," Walsh said.

The swine flu has killed 28 New Jerseyans since April. However only two were children, bucking a national trend.

"The main point is the (outbreak) is so unpredictable, nothing surprises me," said state Health Commissioner Heather Howard.

The six who died this month had underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and obesity, Walsh said. They are: a 24-year-old Passaic County man who died Nov. 2; a 30-year-old Passaic County man who died Nov. 5; a 36-year-old Burlington County woman who died Nov. 6; a 42-year-old Somerset County woman who died Nov. 7; a 42-year-old Burlington County woman who died Nov. 8; and a 33-year-old Ocean County woman who died Nov. 11.

Walsh used the announcement to publicize telephone and online resources to help people locate the vaccine, which is in short supply. Today, the state is expected to submit new orders for certain forms of the vaccine Ð a sign back orders are clearing, said state health department spokeswoman Donna Leusner.

Google Inc. has launched a flu shot finder with the locations of clinics that offer seasonal and H1N1 vaccines, Walsh said. The link is available at www.google.com/flushot and the department's Web site at http://nj.gov/health/flu/h1n1.shtml. State residents may call New Jersey's H1N1 Information Hotline, (866) 321-9571, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

Labels: flu, H1N1, H1N1 decontamination, seasonal flu