Traralgon father dies after battling the flu for weeks

A Traralgon father has suddenly died after battling the flu for almost two weeks. The Herald Sun understands he did not have any underlying medical conditions.

The Go Fund Me Page was set up after the shock loss of James Day. Picture: Supplied

Victoria’s horror flu season has claimed the life of Traralgon dad James Day.

The father of one, aged 43 and an orderly at Latrobe Regional Hospital, died in The Alfred hospital on Sunday after battling the flu for almost two weeks.

There have been more than 20,000 reported cases of the flu in Victoria this season.

Mr Day’s wife Jennifer wrote on Facebook that he was admitted to hospital on June 15 and a “specialist retrieval team was sent from Alfred Hospital” to place her husband, who was “very sick”, on a cardiac and respiratory support machine.

A Health Department spokesman confirmed the death and stressed the need for hyper-awareness.

Traralgon father James Day has died after getting the flu. Picture: Go Fund Me

“Unfortunately influenza can strike anyone … even normally healthy people with no underlying health issues,” the spokesman said.

“Our sympathies are with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.”

The Herald Sun believes the father of one did not have any major underlying health issues.

Previously, the elderly and vulnerable, young children and those with medical conditions were considered most at risk of the flu.

A Go Fund Me page, set up by friend Jenna Hooper, has raised more than $8,000 in 10 days.

The heartbreaking fundraiser page says that Mr Day suffered “multiple catastrophic complications” on Saturday, leaving him with little quality of life.

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The post reads: “Shortly after receiving this news, the decision was made to cease all supports and James was made comfortable via palliative care.

“Jennifer and James spent their final night together on Saturday the 22nd of June and James passed away with Jennifer by his side in the afternoon of Sunday the 23rd June.

“Any financial support donors are willing to contribute to assist Jennifer and Jackson in this devastating time would be very much appreciated.”

The department said it had been notified of more than 20,000 cases of the flu — most commonly influenza A — already this season. At the same time last year there had only been 2543 cases.

There have now been 37 flu deaths reported in Victoria since January. In aged care facilities alone, there have been 31 flu-related deaths related caused by respiratory outbreaks.

Over 3500 “avoidable deaths” occur in Australia every year from complications of the flu.

To donate, go to gofundme.com

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