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A Santa Clara County woman aged 41 has died of swine flu. Last year no deaths in the county younger than 65 were reported of any flu strain.

Swine flu is comparatively more lethal than many other flu viruses. It can result in lethal pneumonia even in healthier people however pregnant women are more susceptible to it. In 2009 more than 203,000 people died worldwide because of swine flu.

“It can really be a bad actor,’’ said Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County’s health officer, according to Mercury News. ”Everyone is susceptible.’’

Swine flu season began in October last year and since then six other cases of severe swine flu and one case of Flu B in residents younger than 65 have been reported in the county. Santa Clara County is the state’s sixth largest county.

"We’re getting flu reported from every corner of the county,’’ she added.

Last week, in an another case, a 28-year-old Orange County woman who had an underlying medical condition died of H1N1.

The vaccination that protects against H1N1 doesn’t guarantee for avoiding the flu but it certainly reduces the chances of infection.

“Use the tool we have available,’’ Cody added, ”and get a shot.’’

As a protective measure, residents should cover their noses and mouths with tissues when they sneeze or cough. They should also prefer washing their hands often with plain soap and water.