A mum is urging Aussies to get vaccinated after her 16-year-old daughter tragically "lost all [of] her motor skills" after contracting the common flu.
Influenza A has taken "everything away from" Kayla Jennings, her stunned and heartbroken family said on Wednesday, revealing they had not yet managed to get their flu shots this winter.
The Perth teen started to feel sick from the highly contagious illness two weeks ago, with her quickly developing breathing problems and a violent cough. One day later, Kayla took a turn for worst and was unable to walk to speak.
"She couldn't walk, couldn't really talk, she couldn't say anything, she lost all motor skills," her mum, Casey Murphy, told 7NEWS.
The teen is currently in Fiona Stanley Hospital with fluid in her brain. She will start the difficult mission of relearning how to walk in rehab this week. Video footage captured by the publication shows Kayla struggling to sit up in a hospital bed as she slurs her speech.
Parents urged to vaccinate their children against flu
With school holidays looming in July, parents are being encouraged to vaccinate their children as influenza cases continue to rise.
"Children under 10 are getting infected at much higher rates than other age groups, and more than 300 children under 16 have been admitted to hospital," AMA NSW president Michael Bonning said on Thursday.
"We can take the pressure off the health system by ensuring as many people as possible get their flu shots, especially older and other vulnerable groups. This includes school kids at holiday time when families move around the country to visit extended family, friends, or chase warmer weather."
A Perth toddler died suddenly from Influenza A after being admitted to hospital in late May.
Three-year-old Muhammed Saadiq Segaff went into respiratory distress prompting open heart surgery but could not be saved — it's been reported — making him WA's youngest flu death this year.
Muhammed's parents said their son was a "cheeky, happy and always smiling" little boy who was otherwise perfectly healthy, The West Australian reports.
with AAP
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