Devastated family speak out after mum of 13 Julie Theobald died from common illness

Much-loved mum, 47, died from common illness Family are 'lost for words' by community response A GoFundMe is raising money for the family   READ MORE: Much-loved Aussie dad dies just days after experiencing back pain

A family of 13 who lost their mother to influenza have 'no words' for the generosity they have been shown in lieu of her sudden death.

Julie Theobald, 47, was admitted to an intensive care unit in Melbourne on June 10 after a nasty bout of the flu worsened and she contracted pneumonia.

The much-loved mother flew in an airplane for the first time when she was taken to hospital for treatment. She sadly died after two weeks in the ICU.

Her daughter, Jessica Theobald, shared an update on how her family was coping to a GoFundMe page where almost $14,000 has been donated.

'We are so overwhelmed and in shock at how many people have taken out of their own pockets to help our family,' she wrote on Monday.

'I know money is tough right now for everyone and to know people have helped us reach our goal, I have no words.

'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.'

A family of 13 who lost their mother to influenza have 'no words' for the generosity they have been shown in lieu of her sudden death (pictured, Julie Theobald in her youth)

Julie Theobald, 47, was admitted to an intensive care unit in Melbourne on June 10 after a nasty bout of the flu worsened and she contracted pneumonia (the Theobald family are pictured)

Jessica previously revealed she and her 12 siblings were 'extremely shocked and heartbroken' at the news of their mothers death.

Read More

Aussie dad suddenly dies just days after complaining about back pain

'Mum leaves behind 13 amazing children, ageing from seven to 31-years-old and her devoted husband/our Dad, Billy,' she said.

Professor Catherine Bennett, a top epidemiologist, shared her top tips for staying healthy this winter with Daily Mail Australia.

The chair of epidemiology at Deakin University urged Aussies to get a flu vaccine.

'Flu vaccines don't last more than six months or so,' she said.

'They're not that different to Covid in respect of the best protection being in the first six months.

'It's also the vaccines targeting the variance that you're likely to come across, and that can change year on year. So that's why having an updated flu shot is the most important thing to help reduce the risk.

'It might not stop you from having flu altogether, but it's about avoiding severe illness, and that's what we want, particularly for people with underlying conditions.'

Professor Catherine Bennett, the chair of epidemiology at Deakin University, has shared her top tips for staying healthy this winter

Dr Bennett also recommended wearing a mask in crowded areas, being conscious of ventilation and keeping distance with new people.

She said the winter wave of influenza was spiking earlier than in recent years.

'This year it looks like it's pushed back and the worst is yet to come. So its a good time to get the message out to people,' she said.