Husband of nurse who died with ‘flu-like’ symptoms now fighting for his life

The husband of a New Zealand nurse who died with 'flu-like' symptoms is now also fighting for his life.

Maria Packe-Leonard, 53, was described as a healthy and vibrant woman prior to falling ill with influenza symptoms earlier this month.

Darrell Packe, the nurse's brother, said Maria began feeling sick and sustained a cough ten days before she died.

“[It] seemed to affect her lungs quite badly,” Darrell told Stuff.

As a result, Maria took herself to hospital on 20 July but was later discharged.

However, Maria's health began to decline rapidly to the point where she stopped breathing. The nurse was rushed to hospital, but tragically died a day later on 21 July.

The nurse had 'flu-like' symptoms before she sadly died. (Getty Stock Photo)

An investigation by the coroner is ongoing, though the likely cause of death Maria's family have right now is that she passed away as a result of influenza-A.

The family is well and truly going through a devastating time, as Maria's husband John Leonard is now critically ill in an induced coma at Wellington Hospital.

Darrell told Stuff that John had also been suffering from flu-like symptoms, before going into hospital five days after his wife's tragic death.

Speaking of his condition, Darrell added: "He could hardly walk up the stairs at home and it was almost too much effort for him to talk,” Packe told Stuff

“We took him to the doctor and got him some medication but the next day his son rang me and told me to get there fast.

“I suspect that, for John, the flu has been compounded by the grief. His immune system probably wasn’t as strong.”

John and Maria pictured a few years ago with their two sons. (Give A Little)

Doctors say John has developed a blood infection, which in turn is affecting his lungs and kidneys.

The family member has since set up a fundraiser to support the couple's sons, Jed, 15, and 14-year-old Sam.

It reads: "We recently lost our mum and now our dad's in hospital fighting to be back with us. The community has been fantastic to us so far but the fridge and freezers are full. It would be really appreciated if we could get help with everyday costs."

Darell is now urging those experiencing flu-like symptoms to visit a health professional and not downplay their health.

"Both of these people went and got checked prior to their illness escalating,” he added.

"I want to encourage people to recognise that it’s serious — this isn’t just a cold, so don’t tell yourself ‘I’ll be brave and push through.'"