Flu claims girl, 8, sparking warnings

A GIRL, 8, has died of the flu in Melbourne’s outer east.

The young girl died at the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully on Friday.

The Health and Human Services Department confirmed the death yesterday, but had not been aware of further serious cases at schools.

The Education Department is working with her school to support classmates and others connected with her.

“The death of any child is tragic and our thoughts are with the family of this student,” a spokesman said.

“We have been in contact with the school to support them in meeting these requirements and to offer support for anyone who may be affected by the death of this student.”

Health Minister Jill Hennessy has urged Victorians to be alert to symptoms.

Ms Hennessy told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell the death of the girl was “one of the other very sad cases that we’ve seen this flu season”.

“We’re having a horrific flu season right up and down the entire eastern seaboard,” she said.

“This is an influenza strain that is able to impact the young, the elderly, the well and the unwell, and people should be really attentive to any symptoms.”

Victoria’s hospitals are under stress as they deal with a rise in the number of flu cases.

People with less severe illnesses are being urged to stay away from hospitals.

Young father Ben Ihlow died of flu on his first Father’s Day two weeks ago.

Anyone feeling unwell is urged to act — go to the doctor, contact NURSE-ONCALL on 1300 60 60 24 or call an ambulance in extreme cases.