Victorian man dies with swine flu

Posted 2 hours 12 minutes ago
Updated 1 hour 53 minutes ago

Victoria's Department of Human Services was informed of the man's death yesterday afternoon.

The state's acting chief health officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, said the man had been receiving treatment for cancer.

"The man was being treated for a life-threatening cancer and was later diagnosed. He died while receiving treatment in hospital," she said in a statement.

"Our sympathies are with the family."

Dr Lester said the man's family had requested that no further details of his medical history be released.

Six Victorians and two Western Australians have died with the virus.

Dr Lester reiterated advice that swine flu "is a mild illness, which many people recover from without any medical treatment."

But she added: "However, we know that for people with chronic medical conditions, influenza can be severe."

She said people who are at high risk - due to conditions such as pregnancy, respiratory disease, heart disease, diabetes, renal disease, obesity and immunosuppression - should see their doctor if they develop symptoms.