Four-year-old dies from common illness as cases soar

A four-year-old boy has died from the flu and health authorities are urging Australians to get vaccinated.

The boy died at Austin Hospital in Melbourne’s northeast on June 10 and was buried at a funeral on Tuesday.

Flu cases have increased in all age groups, according to the Victorian Department of Health.

Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker urged parents to take their children for the free flu vaccine.

“We expect flu cases to continue to rise in the coming weeks, so it is vital that people book their flu vaccine now, especially for those groups most at risk of becoming seriously ill, such as children,” he said.

“The flu is very contagious and, although most people only experience mild or moderate symptoms, for some it can be fatal.”

Only 23 per cent of Victorians under five have been vaccinated this year.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, and body aches.

Other symptoms include tiredness, chills, sore throat, loss of appetite, and runny or stuffy nose.

More to come