She is the first to die in Douglas County from Swine Flu. 22-year old Khrystyna Serednytsky lived in Omaha with her parents. Like many who have died of the H1N1 flu strain, she had an underlying medical condition. Serednytsky died Wednesday night at the hospital after having Swine Flu for less than a week.

Best friend Jessica Ali says, "Khrystyna was probably one of the most inspirational people you could meet in your life. With everything that she's ever gone through, she's always been positive."

It's a positive spirit that shines through in every picture of Khrystyna and in every smile. "She was always a dreamer. She always believed in the possibilities and she cared about everyone," says Ali.

All of it despite so many challenges. "Muscular Dystrophy Association, she's been a really huge front runner in everything that she's ever done in her whole life," explains Ali.

22-year old Khrystyna battled Muscular Dystrophy for most of her short life. On her Facebook page, she writes her "favorite place on earth is probably MDA camp followed closely by Camp Easter Seals." Places Khrystyna no doubt found encouragement from so many others facing challenges like she did.

This week, Khrystyna finally found a challenge her smile couldn't conquer. "It was very sudden, just really sudden," explains Ali. Khrystyna came down with Swine Flu. "She died very peacefully and it's going to be a huge loss for everyone because of the person she was."

Details were announced Thursday by local officials.

"This news will obviously increase everyone's awareness of the virus and what it means to our own health," says Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle.

And for each of us that means prevention factors. "It's really important that they become the norm for our community. We cannot prevent H1N1 coming into our community, but what we can do with these prevention measures to mediate the outcome of it," says Adi Pour, director of the Douglas County Health Department.

Those prevention measures are:
- washing hands frequently
- avoiding those who are sick
- staying home if you're sick
- and getting the vaccine when it becomes available

Dr. Pour says anyone with an underlying medical condition, like Khrystyna, is much more likely to have complications from Swine Flu. "Remember most people with influenza recover without even seeing a doctor. However if you or a loved one have underlying health conditions, or if you have concerns, stay in close contact with your health care provider." Health conditions like cardiovascular disease, asthma or diabetes. "Any type of illness that could weaken the health status of an individual makes that person more likely to have a bad health outcome," says Pour.

A vaccine is expected to be available by mid-October. Dr. Pour says there are five target groups who should be first to get vaccine. They are:
- pregnant women
- caretakers of children six months and younger
- anyone six months to 24 years in age
- anyone 25 to 65 years in age with a chronic health condition
- and health care and emergency service providers