Heartbreak as ‘beautiful’ mum-of-13, 47, dies suddenly after catching flu
A MUM-of-13 tragically passed away after a bout of flu turned into deadly pneumonia.
Julie Theobald, 47, fought for her life for two weeks before succumbing to the lung infection on June 13.
The “beautiful” mum from Victoria, Australia, left behind 13 children – aged between seven and 31 years – and her husband Billy.
“We’ve all been extremely shocked and heartbroken of this news, we could have never imagined loosing our mum this early on,” her daughter Jessica wrote on behalf of the family in a GoFundMe.
Julie passed away just weeks after a “terrible” bout of flu turned into pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs usually caused by an infection.
Most people recover from pneumonia in a matter of weeks, but babies, older people and those suffering with heart or lung conditions are at higher risk of getting seriously ill.
Jessica confirmed that her mum had been suffering from underlying health conditions.
She wrote: “Unfortunately our Mum was only 47 years young and had been in the ICU fighting for the last two weeks due to catching a terrible flu turning into pneumonia and underlying health conditions.”
Julie was transferred to Melbourne on the 10th of June via plane – “her first ever plane ride,” Jessica said – in the hopes she could be saved.
Tragically, the mum passed away just three days later, leaving her family deeply shocked.
Jessica put together a GoFunMe appeal on behalf of her dad and siblings to raise money to cover the cost of Julie’s funeral.
“This is our last opportunity to give her the best send off possible,” she said.
“No one ever likes reaching out for help and we certainly don’t expect to raise this total amount but we are really hoping to lessen the burden for our father and the large costs of a funeral.”
The fundraiser has now surpassed the family’s $13,000 target.
In a update to the original post, Jessica thanked everyone who’d contributed to the fund.
“We are so overwhelmed and in shock at how many people have taken out of their own pockets to help our family.
“I cannot thank each and every one of you enough, in such a dark tragic time for our family this has brought us so much happiness.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Julie’s tragic death comes as New South Wales residents were warned of “triple threat” of surging flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)cases.
On June 8, health authorities warned that flu activity was continuing to rise, “with the number of presentations to emergency departments increasing and the number of influenza notifications also increasing”.
Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and can cause both mild and severe illness.
Most people will recover within a matter of days or weeks, but some can develop complications such as pneumonia.
Symptoms of the flu and when to get help
FLU will often get better on its own in a matter of days or weeks, but it can make some people seriously ill.
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
- A sudden high temperature
- An aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- You’re worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
- You’re 65 or over
- You’re pregnant
- You have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
- You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
- Your symptoms do not improve after seven days
Source: NHS
According to the American Lung Association: “Influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, especially among younger children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with certain chronic health conditions or who live in a nursing home.
“Most cases of flu never lead to pneumonia, but those that do tend to be more severe and deadly.”
Other serious complications triggered by the flu include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle tissues, and multi-organ failure, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes.
In UK, flu activity usually peaks between December and March.
A recent UK Health Security Agency report revealed that the 2023/24 flu season had lasted longer than the previous year’s, “but peak activity was lower”.
The best way to protect yourself from flu is by getting a vaccine. They’re offered on the NHS every year in the autumn and winter to help protect people against illness and complications.
Eligible groups are able to get the jab for free.
For the upcoming season, pregnant women and children will be offered the free vaccine from September 1, while adults aged 65 and over and medically vulnerable groups will be able to get theirs from October 3.