First H1N1 death at Lawrence & Memorial

New London (WTNH) - Connecticut is being hit hard by the second wave of the H1N1 pandemic. That's the word from one state health official. It comes as we learn a woman in New London has died from H1N1.

You might find it odd that a story about H1N1 begins at a gas station. But considering Jeanne Williams deals with hundreds of customers a day it's plausible to believe the talk of swine flu would come up at least once in awhile.

The widespread paranoia about contracting the flu may only spread like the flu. But now there's news of another H1N1-related death, this time in New London at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital

"We had a 64 year old woman who came in with a confirmed case of H1N1 who died," Dr. Peter Later, an ER physician at the hospital, said.

While the death of the woman who had underlying medical conditions is certainly unfortunate, Dr. Later says the fever of fear by many can be calmed by a little education.

"We don't want people to panic. Realize that this is a fairly mild seasonal flu. Even though it's spreading through the community, it's a fever, it's a cough, it's a sore throat, and typically it doesn't affect people too severely," Later said.

Jeanne's work space is cleaned often. And if you want a little encouragement about this highly publicized flu strain, perhaps Jeanne's gas station is the perfect place to go.

"We're tough! We're New England, we're tough!" Williams said.