An Australian mother of 13 has died from influenza at just 47 years old, prompting an urgent warning from a medical expert.
Julie Theobald was admitted to the intensive care unit in Melbourne on June 10 after her flu worsened into pneumonia.
Julie’s daughter Jessica said her mother was flown to hospital via a medivac.
Theobold — who was understood to have underlying health conditions — passed away two weeks after being admitted.
“We’ve all been extremely shocked and heartbroken by this news; we could have never imagined losing our mum this early on,” Jessica wrote on GoFundMe.
“Mum leaves behind 13 amazing children, aged from seven to 31 years old and her devoted husband/our Dad, Billy.”
The tragic news comes as Professor Catherine Bennett, the chair of epidemiology at Deakin University, said that the flu could hospitalise even the fittest, youngest and healthiest among us.
“I think everyone probably knows some young, fit, healthy adults who end up in hospital with flu, so it’s definitely something for everyone to avoid,” she said.
“If you’re with other people that you don’t usually hang out with, it’s about making sure you try and keep the distance.
“Be conscious of ventilation, wear a mask if you’re in crowded areas; all of those things help protect against these conditions.”