A well-known former radio DJ passed away this weekend after he came down with flu-like symptoms while visiting family in the Bay area.
Stephen Seravalli, who went by the name Deejay Trauma, became sick while visiting from Arizona. The official cause of death has not been released, but friends said he had flu-like symptoms.
WiLD 94.1 Program Director Orlando Davis worked with Seravalli for several years and saw him when he was visiting family for the holidays.
"He was ill, you know, coughing, and he’s like, 'Man I can’t get rid of this cough,'" Davis said.
The flu struck earlier this year and is considered widespread in Florida right now.
The Pinellas County Health Department has reported a 40 percent increase in emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms.
The flu can kill, but Priority Health’s Dr. Randy Shuck says it’s important to know if there are any underlying conditions.
"The thing about the flu, it's an attack on the immune system," he said. "if your immune system has a problem already, the flu is going to overwhelm you because you have a weakened immune system."
Feeling tired, achy and stomach and respiratory issues are part of the flu, but Dr. Shuck says it’s important to pay attention if symptoms get worse, noting confusion, dehydration and a fever of 102.
Friends say Seravalli did see a doctor. In the meantime, they said they will mourn their friend and wait to find out if complications from the flu is what killed him.