A new Victorian mum is fighting for her life after contracting influenza A while pregnant.
Doctors were forced to deliver Sarah Hawthorn’s baby while she was in an induced coma, leaving the 33-year-old unaware she has given birth.
According to Nine News, Ms Hawthorn remains in a coma in a critical condition in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital.
Her sister, Rachael Holt, recounted the tragic circumstances on a GoFundMe page launched to raise money for medical and travel expenses.
“During the later stages of Sarah’s pregnancy she caught the flu,” Ms Holt wrote on the page.
“As a result her gorgeous boy arrived earlier than planned and following his birth Sarah was, and remains, in a critical condition in an induced coma.”
Victoria’s Health Minister has now called for free flu vaccinations to be made available to more people, ABC reports.
“We have made a request to the Commonwealth Government that they look at the provision of free flu vaccinations, particularly for children,” Ms Hennessy said.
Ms Hawthorn’s hospitalisation follows the tragic news eight-year-old Melbourne girl Rosie Brealey died from the flu on Friday.
You can donate to Sarah Hawthorn’s GoFundMe campaign here.
