(WIBW) - A 78-year old woman from the Wichita area is the state's latest victim to succumb to the H1N1 virus.

The Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment announced her death Friday. They say she had underlying health conditions that placed her at greater risk for complications from the flu.

State Health Officer Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips says the death is a reminder that it's still important to get flu vaccinations.

"Although the 2009 H1N1 flu virus has been less active lately... [f]lu activity normally peaks in February or March in Kansas," he said.

In addition to vaccination, individuals are encouraged to take the following steps to reduce the spread of influenza viruses:
·Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

·If you become sick, stay home until at least 24 hours after fever or signs of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, in order to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.

·Cough or sneeze into a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues. If you do not have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow and not your hands.

·Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

KDHE has established a phone number for concerned Kansans to call with questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus. The toll-free number is 1-877-427-7317. Operators will be available to answer questions from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Persons calling will be directed to press “1” on their touch-tone phone to be directed to an operator who can answer questions.

Kansans with questions about the virus can email H1N1fluinfo@kdheks.gov. Information is also available from KDHE at www.kdheks.gov.