RICHMOND -- With flu season right around the corner, the state is tracking the virus.
Since April, the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services has received 1,000 influenza samples.
Dr. James L. Pearson says most positive results are for H1N1 swine flu.
"That actually is the only flu virus we are seeing in Virginia now is that H1N1. The last time we detected something that was not swine flu was back in June," he said.
The lab uses a network of doctors, hospitals and health departments for virus samples. Scientists take the specimens to identify what strain is occurring.
The data is also used to help federal health officials come up with next flu season vaccine.
Six people in Virginia have died after contracting the H1N1 virus, health officials reported Wednesday. Two were in Hampton Roads.
On September 11, an awaiting a lung transplant died. Health officials believe H1N1 contributed to her death.
In early June, , a home for the disabled in Chesapeake, passed away. Her death was the first confirmed in the state connected to H1N1.
