KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — A total of 287 people in Australia have died from the flu amid 131,000 flu cases across the country so far this year, according to Australia’s federal health department.
The Guardian also reported yesterday that a 13-year-old girl from Melbourne, Crystal-lee Wightley, died at her family’s home late last week after being ill from the flu for three days.
Crystal-lee’s grandmother, Karyn James Wightley, posted a heartfelt tribute to Crystal-Lee, saying: “My darling I am heartbroken, and life will never be the same. Fly with the Angels, my darling girl. Nanny will always miss you.”
Not too long after, a family from Perth mourned the loss of their two-year-old toddler, Elijah David Huynh, to the flu as well.
He reportedly died on July 2, Tuesday at Perth’s children’s hospital.
His father, Dave Huynh, has been expressing his feelings on Facebook for the past week.
Huynh wrote: “Having to say goodbye to you so soon just doesn’t feel real. You were and still are the love of our lives, we couldn’t thank you enough for making us the happiest parents in the world,”
He posted another Facebook post yesterday evening, saying: “I miss you so much and know how much I love you!”
The New South Wales (NSW) health department has released a statement urging family and friends of aged-care residents to get vaccinated to prevent the flu, after 66 confirmed deaths of those aged over 60 years from the flu in NSW.
More residents should be more aware of the danger of the flu and should be encouraged to get vaccinated.
