PHOENIX -- According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 81 Arizona residents have died from complications due to the H1N1 virus.
Fifty-one deaths have occurred since October 4.
The startling statistics concern Valley teacher Vicki Geske, who is worried about her health, the health of her students and most importantly the health of her daughter.
"I am exposed to this (H1N1) everyday," said Geske. "I come across about 150 students every single day, and we see students come to school with H1N1 and then we send them home and by then you're already exposed."
According to
AZDHS, there have been 6,302 confirmed H1N1 cases in Arizona with 1,088 in the past week alone.
"It's (H1N1) out there, we all know it, and we have to protect ourselves and each other. I want the vaccine, but I haven't been able to get it," said Geske.
The Valley teacher has about 10 years experience and has seen illnesses come and go, but she sees the H1N1 virus as a threat to everyone.
"I'm so worried that if I get the Swine Flu, then my 16-year-old daughter will get it and I don't want to bring the flu home and infect her, I'm worried about her health and safety also," said Geske.
The problem is, according to the
CDC, teachers are not listed as a recommended priority group to get the vaccine.
"That's not right, we're the ones there everyday, coming into contact with so many children and we all need to be protected," Geske said.
