THE family of a Baxter girl who died from the effects of the flu on Friday 5 July is urging others to get their flu jabs without delay.
Crystal-Lee Wightley, 13, died at home after being ill with a cold, fever, body aches and a cough since Tuesday. Her mother Dymanty Fulham found her unconscious in her bed and called 000. Despite the best efforts of paramedics she could not be revived.
The year 7 Mt Erin Secondary College student had been due to see a doctor later that morning.
Her mother, grandmother and brothers all suffered flu-like symptoms in preceding weeks but had started to feel better on their own.
Chrystal-Lee’s aunt Yvette Southgate said it was important for all age groups to get the flu vaccination.
“You hear about the jab being for the young and the elderly, the vulnerable … it’s not for the healthy girl who plays netball,” she told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“If one good thing has come out of this, the whole family is booked in for an injection next week.
“Just do it. You get sick and you have a cough, this season don’t just sit at home, go and get an injection.”
The Victorian Health Department reports that, so far this year, 50 people have died from influenza, with flu cases rising more than eight times the level of this time last year. The deaths comprise four children, 44 elderly and three adults.
The coroner will prepare a report on Chrystal-Lee’s death.
