After developing "flu-like symptoms", the Wellington nurse died suddenly! Her husband is also in the ICU... All New Zealand people are vigilant
This winter, many New Zealand people fell ill one after another - cold, new crown, flu, RSV, whooping cough...... Diseases with similar symptoms follow one after another, and many people are no longer able to tell what they are infected with.
Recently, a Wellington nurse died after experiencing "flu-like symptoms", and her family hopes the tragedy will be a wake-up call for all New Zealand.
Source | Stuff
Maria Packe-Leonard, a 53-year-old registered nurse at Lower Hutt, is in good health, has a strong physique, and is even well-known in the fitness circles of the local community, and has just returned to the emergency department as a shift nurse.
Her husband, 53-year-old John Leonard, is also in good health, and the two have two sons who are entering puberty.
However, Maria died at Wellington Hospital on July 21 after developing "flu-like symptoms", and her husband, John, was also admitted to the intensive care unit...
Maria's brother Darrell Packe said it was all sudden and unexpected, and he hoped Maria's death would raise awareness of the disease in New Zealand.
"These two are usually very strong, healthy, and energetic ......"
"That's why everyone in the community is shocked, and we're still trying to figure it out..."
Darrell said he usually lived in Tauranga and didn't know Maria was sick until he heard the news of his sister's death.
He said that Maria usually endures small difficulties.
As far as he knew, about 10 days before her death, Maria had begun to develop symptoms, "a lot of coughing, which looked like it had infected her lungs." ”
Two days before her death, she went to see her family doctor, and the day before she died, she went to the hospital herself, but was discharged after that.
"Everyone did the right thing, but the disease got worse really fast."
When Maria returned home from the hospital, she allegedly collapsed and stopped breathing, and an ambulance arrived to give her emergency resuscitation before taking her to the hospital.
On July 21, the hospital announced Maria's death and said she had been infected with Influnza Type A. However, the report of the specific cause of death still needs to be presented by the medical examiner.
Darrell said it was difficult to accept the sudden death of his sister,
"She's usually energetic and a good nurse... I think that's all the more shocking. ”
Maria's body is said to have been handed over to her family, although the family is still awaiting a definite report from the medical examiner.
After Maria's death, the family also realized that Maria's husband, John, was also very ill.
"He could barely climb the stairs at home, and he even had a hard time talking..."
"We took him to the doctor and prescribed medication, but the next day, his son called me and told me to hurry over." Darrell said John was admitted to the hospital on July 26, five days after his wife's death, and is now in intensive care due to serious illness and is now suffering from blood infections in his lungs and kidneys.
Darrell said he suspects that John not only contracted the flu, but also faced the huge pain of his wife's death, "and his immune system may not be very strong." ”
Darrell hopes that all New Zealand people who are experiencing "flu-like symptoms" must be vigilant and pay attention to having someone around to help if necessary. Don't hesitate if you need help.
"Both [his sister and her husband] actually went to the doctor before their illness suddenly worsened, but I still want to encourage people to be aware of the seriousness of the matter."
"[The flu] is not a common cold, don't tell yourself, 'I'm brave, just put up with it.'"
Darrell said that despite the uncertainty about John's condition and future, his two teenage sons are now going strong, and he has created a Givealittle fundraising page for his two nephews in the hope that the community's help will help the family through this difficult time.
Darrell also thanked the hospital and its staff, "The people are amazing, it's been crazy for the last few weeks, but it's a special feeling to be able to feel like you're surrounded by people who support you. ”
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According to the New Zealand Immunisation Consultant Centre, New Zealand has a high incidence of influenza from May to October.
According to the New Zealand Ministry of Health, the flu virus can infect your nose, throat and lungs. It is usually more serious than a cold.
It can take 1 to 4 days after getting the flu to feel the symptoms. The most severe symptoms usually last for about 5 days, but the cough can last up to 2 to 3 weeks.
Symptoms of the flu can appear suddenly and may include:
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Chills
- Muscle pain or body aches
- headache
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- cough
- Sore throat
- Upset stomach, vomiting, or watery stools (diarrhea).
Flu symptoms can also be similar to other illnesses, such as COVID or meningococcal disease. If you suspect that someone in your family has meningococcal disease, seek medical attention immediately.
The flu is more than just a "bad cold". Although some of the symptoms are the same, the flu is usually more severe, often flare-up, and can have more serious consequences.
Seek medical help right away if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms:
- High fever does not go away, especially in pregnant women
- Chills or violent shivering
- rash
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Purple or blue color on the lips, skin, fingers, or toes
- Severe headache or stiff neck
- Fear of light
- Convulsions (seizures or convulsions)
- Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness when standing
- dysuria
If the person you're caring for is more unresponsive, unusually quiet, or confused, contact a healthcare provider right away.
If you or a family member starts to feel better and then gets worse, let your healthcare provider know.
Be aware that younger children may not be able to accurately describe their symptoms, and seek medical help immediately if your infant or child has:
- Fever and age under 3 months
- Reluctance to eat or drink – don't force them
- Breathing is fast or noisy, or they are wheezing or purring
- The area under the rib cage is concave rather than dilated during inhalation
- Very pale
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Irritability, such as reluctance to be held
- Weakness or inability to move limbs
- Diapers are dry or there are no tears when they cry – which means they are dehydrated
- There are signs of other serious diseases, such as meningitis
- A rash appears
If you're experiencing symptoms you're worried about:
- Contact your doctor or medical facility you visit frequently
- Call the Healthline for free advice
- In case of emergency, call 111 for an ambulance.
The New Zealand flu vaccine is free for high-risk groups:
- People aged 65 and over
- People aged 6 months and older with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease
- pregnant woman
- Children aged 4 years and younger who have been hospitalized for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness (tamariki)
- People with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder
- People who are currently receiving secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services
In New Zealand, a funded flu vaccine for children and adults (6 months and older) is called Influvac Tetra.
If you don't qualify for the free vaccination, the price of the flu vaccine in New Zealand is usually between NZ$25 and NZ$45, depending on what you need to ask your healthcare provider, such as your GP or pharmacy.
Note that because the flu virus changes every year and the vaccine changes from year to year, the New Zealand Ministry of Health encourages everyone to get vaccinated every year when the flu season arrives (usually in May).
If you haven't already, anyone can get vaccinated through a home doctor, nurse, pharmacy, or online