BOSTON -- An 84-year-old man from Boston is the second death linked to H1N1 influenza in Massachusetts, the Boston Public Health Commission announced Monday.

Doctor Talks About H1N1 Death

The patient was hospitalized on June 12 and died six days later. His tests results came back positive Monday for H1N1. The patient had several serious underlying health conditions that placed him at high risk of complications from the flu, officials said.

"It is with great sadness that we have learned today of the death of a Boston resident from illness associated with H1N1. We extend our deepest sympathy to this person’s family and friends," said Barbara Ferrer, executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. "While most cases of H1N1 in Boston and nationwide have been less severe, this news demonstrates how serious influenza can be."

Earlier this year, a Boston woman in her 30s died from the virus. There have been 474 confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Boston and 70 hospitalizations. In Massachusetts, there were 1,287 confirmed cases and 134 hospitalizations as of Thursday.

"While we have seen recent evidence of flu-like illness decreasing in Massachusetts, this tragic case underscores that we are still seeing person-to-person spread of the virus," said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach. "That is why it is so important for everyone to practice the prevention measures that we know can reduce the spread of illness."