An Australian mother of 13 has died after a case of influenza turned fatal.
Victorian woman Julie Theobald was admitted to an intensive care unit in Melbourne on June 10 after her flu worsened and turned into pneumonia.
Jessica Theobald said her mother, who had underlying health conditions, flew on a plane for the first time when she was taken to the hospital.
After two weeks in the ICU, Julie died in hospital at the age of 47.
“We have all been extremely shocked and heartbroken by this news, we could never have imagined losing our mother so early,” Jessica wrote on GoFundMe.
Victorian woman Julie Theobald (pictured) was admitted to an intensive care unit in Melbourne on June 10 after her flu worsened and turned into pneumonia.
He leaves behind 13 children
‘Mom leaves behind 13 incredible children, ranging in age from seven to 31, and her devoted husband/our dad, Billy.’
So far almost $6,000 has been raised to cover Julie’s funeral costs.
Warning issued to Australians about the flu and how to protect themselves
Epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennett told Daily Mail Australia that people of any age and physical condition could fall ill with a “nasty” flu attack.
“It may not put them in hospital, but if it turns into pneumonia then they could end up there,” said the Deakin University epidemiology professor.
“I think everyone probably knows some young, fit, healthy adults who end up in hospital with the flu, so it’s definitely something everyone should avoid.”
“If you’re around other people you don’t normally go out with, it’s about making sure you keep your distance and being mindful of ventilation, wearing a mask if you’re in crowded areas, all those things help.” protect against these conditions.’
Victorian woman Julie Theobald (pictured as a young woman) was admitted to an intensive care unit in Melbourne on June 10 after her flu worsened and turned into pneumonia.
Dr Bennett said an increase in flu hospitalizations meant Australia could have a longer flu season this winter.
“The flu continues to increase,” he explained.
“Therefore, it appears that Covid could be giving way to flu in terms of the dominant causes of potentially serious respiratory illnesses at the moment.
‘The number of people coming into emergency departments is heading towards a junction where flu could be even higher than Covid if you look at the number of people coming in.
“In New South Wales, that number is now approaching 200 a week for flu and is falling to 200 a week for Covid.”
Dr Bennett said the winter wave of influenza was rising earlier than in recent years.
‘ThThis year it seems that it has gone backwards and the worst is yet to come,” he said.
“So it’s a good time to get the message out to people.”
Dr Catherine Bennett said a rise in flu hospitalizations meant Australia could have a longer flu season this winter (pictured office workers in Sydney)
The epidemiologist urged Australians to get an updated flu vaccine.
‘Flu vaccines do not last more than approximately six months. “They’re not that different from Covid in that the best protection is in the first six months,” he said.
“It is also the vaccines that target the variation that we are likely to encounter, and that can change year to year. That’s why having an up-to-date flu vaccine is the most important thing to help reduce your risk.
“It may not prevent you from getting the flu completely, but It’s about avoiding serious illness, and that’s what we want, especially for people with underlying illnesses.’
Dr. Bennett also recommended wearing a mask in crowded areas, being mindful of ventilation, and keeping your distance from new people.