Flu warning for young, elderly

By Callan Date and Melissa Grant
HEALTH officials have urged Casey parents to remain vigilant about the health of their children in the wake of Ethan Ioannou’s death.
The five-year-old Berwick boy died from the influenza A virus last Tuesday week only hours after going to bed with flu-like symptoms.
Department of Human Services spokesman Bram Alexander urged parents of young children and those who care for the elderly to be attentive to any flu related health issues. “The message is that if any flu like symptoms persist to seek further medical advice,” Mr Alexander said.
He said it was the coroner’s role to determine Ethan’s exact cause of death; however, tests had revealed he had the influenza A virus.
A spokesman for ABC Learning Centre in Berwick, which Ethan attended, said he had not been to the childcare centre “for a few days before his death”.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic death,” Mr Emerson said.
He said ABC had worked closely with the relevant health authorities and was keeping parents informed of the situation.
“We do urge all parents to keep an eye on their children and make sure any signs or symptoms of the flu are checked with doctors,” he said.
Local pharmacies have reported a small rise in the number of children being brought in to receive a flu shot.
Several other suspected influenza deaths have been reported around Australia in the past fortnight.
Australian Medical Association president Doctor Doug Travis has urged Victorians to be vigilant about the deadly flu strain.
“August is traditionally the peak flu season in Victoria and with several deaths from influenza it is timely to remind people in high risk groups it is not too late to have a flu vaccination,” Dr Travis said.
“The number of cases of influenza in Victoria is low this year and Victorians should not panic.
“However, parents of young children and the elderly should be vigilant and if you notice flu-like symptoms see your doctor,” he said.
Symptoms in children include fever, headache, cough, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dr Travis said a trip to the doctor was needed to confirm the flu as its symptoms were typical of a number of illnesses.
Dr Travis said it was important for those with the flu to limit the spread of the virus.
“If you are unwell, don’t go to work and avoid public places,” he said.