AN 18-YEAR-OLD has fallen victim to the deadly strains of flu virus currently sweeping Britain.
Bethany Walker, of Applecross in Scotland, died on January 5, after contracting the flu virus, which developed into pneumonia.
Her devestated mother Heather Teale paid tribute to her in a post on Facebook, which explained: "She had been suffering from a flu virus, which became pneumonia, she was airlifted to Raigmore with me by her side yesterday morning, where she rapidly deteriorated."
She added: "The staff in Intensive Care could not have done more, she was given the best possible treatment from a team of eight people for over two hours, they tried everything possible but sadly despite their best efforts she didn't make it.”
Regarding her loss, Ms Teale said: "I am broken, the bottom has fallen out of my world. I have my mum with me, and my wonderful son Danny Walker who are both feeling the same loss as I am."
Bethany's death comes as three strains of flu put pressure on health services across Britain.
According to Government figures released today, flu fatalities have soared by 77 per cent in just a week in England, the Daily Mail reports.
Latest figures reveal that 93 people have lost their lives to flu already this winter - with 85 deaths recorded in England and eight in Scotland.
This compares to 48 flu-related deaths recorded in England in the previous week.
Miss Walker was one of four to die in Scotland from flu last week alone, with 27 new fatalities recorded in England.
