Deseret News | H1N1 complications claim WSU instructor

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H1N1 complications claim WSU instructor

Huh? | 2:55 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009

Maybe I'm a little dense, but she had bacterial pneumonia, but it was complications from H1N1 that killed her? That sounds akin to saying a president of a large corporation became wealthy because of his paper route.

Ken Hansen | 3:18 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009

It is very sad to see someone of this caliber lost to education. But, the title of the article appears erroneous. She did not die from H1N1 but from bacterial pneumonia with complications. Journalists are to be responsible for reporting the facts not interpreting the facts. State the facts and avoid the yellow journalism. There are enough people out there paranoid over H1N1. If the journalist cannot report responsibly, do not report at all. Be clear in the reporting and do not embellish the article.

Um, yeah, | 3:26 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009

The bacterial pneumonia was a DIRECT result of the flu, i.e. a complication of the flu. It isn't like they are saying she died from a paper cut wound that may or may not have lead to pneumonia.

Comments continue below

Dear Ken | 3:48 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009

Ms. Pugmire died from bacterial pneumonia, which was a secondary infection she got as a result of having H1N1. So, yes...H1N1 indirectly caused her death as she likely would not have had bacterial pneumonia had she not had H1N1.

Another example - people with AIDS do not die FROM AIDS - they die from secondary illnesses (ie, pneumonia, etc) they get from having AIDS...get it???

Stop being pedantic and trying to prove how much smarter you are then DesNews reporters - they actually got this one right for a change

Sad Story | 4:28 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009

She was my Math 107 instructor back in the fall of 1986.

The fact that I remember the course so clearly is evidence of how good a teacher she was.

condolences | 8:38 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009

As a college professor who has the flu, let me say to the family, "you have my sincerest condolences"
Professors, like other social jobs, get introduced to all of the viruses and bacterias that can come around. She died in the line of duty.

scary | 11:49 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009

What is scary is that bacterial pneumonia can normally be treated more so than viral. Was this a strain that antibiotics couldn't touch?

JimmyZatl | 1:43 a.m. Oct. 31, 2009

Just google pneumonia and you will see that 30 people have died from it in the Ukraine today and another 20 or so in China...

This is how H1N1 kills... with pneumonia that is itself not responding to antibiotics.

Weaver's of Centerville | 10:16 a.m. Oct. 31, 2009

Dan and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Diane. We have always loved and admired her. She has been a wonderful example of selfless charity. Her personality was always cheerful and uplifting. Her sweet presence will be greatly missed. Dan you have our deepest condolences on your loss and we hope to be able to be support you in any way that we can.

Former Student | 11:05 a.m. Oct. 31, 2009

Sorry to hear about Diane. She was one of my favorite professors at Weber State. She will definitely be missed.

more facts | 11:38 a.m. Oct. 31, 2009

This is tragic. My condolences to her family and friends and students. She looks like a bright, wonderful woman.

Her death ought to serve as the impetus to gather some essential information relating to the awful flu season that is upon us.

Did Diane receive a swine flu vaccine or any other anti-viral prior to death?

Has she been vaccinated in recent years against seasonal flu?

Did she have any other underlying illnesses?

Was she positively lab-confirmed as H1N1?

Why we don't get this information so that we can all make fully informed decisions for our own lives is puzzling.

just curious | 2:09 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009

I know that bacterial infections can result from viral infections. Does anyone know how that happens?

My condolences to the friends and family of Mrs. Pugmire on their untimely loss.

Love | 3:34 p.m. Oct. 31, 2009

you and will miss you always Aunt Diane. Thanks for all that you do.

From a Student | 10:30 a.m. Nov. 2, 2009

I will miss Diane Pugmire. She was a truly inspirational teacher. My condolences to her family.

To: More Facts | 1:35 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

#1: She is obviously outside of the age range that can even get the H1N1 vaccine right now, at the age of 52. I Teach high school and can't get the vaccine and I spend 8 hours a day with the "target population."
#2: What right is it of yours to wonder if she has been vaccinated against seasonal flu in the past.
#3: She was as healthy as anyone I have ever met, active, non-smoker, non-drinker, healthy from top to bottom.
#4: Weber/Morgan Health Department gave a positive confirmation of H1N1
#5: That is the beauty of agency, we make our own decisions! Just because one person did or did not get a vaccine shouldn't determine or sway your decision. Do the research and make an educated decision.

re: 1:35 p.m. | 5:35 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009

#1- Lots of people outside the target age range got the swine flu jab. Especially state employees. Check your facts, my over-reacting friend.

#2- If she was vaccinated and she still died, perhaps it was a complicating factor that led to a weakened immune system. Any good investigative journalist ought to be asking and printing these questions. Every good scientist is.

#3- Exactly my point. If somebody that healthy can die from this then we need to be asking the deeper questions.

#4- Most health officials base their diagnosis on symptoms. I'm asking whether it was LAB-CONFIRMED. I'll take your answer as a no.

#5- I'm asking these questions because I've done hours and hours of research and I haven't found any report that gives this info. I'd rather make informed decisions based on fact, not emotion as it seems you prefer.

Again, her death is a tragedy. I'm so sorry for her family. Can't we do something positive in her memory and get this sorted out?

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