Meningitis
08 November 2018
As we enter the Winter season Meningitis Awareness is increasingly important as there is a higher risk of contracting the disease during this period. It can be easy to misjudge Meningitis symptoms for a classic Winter cold so read on to discover symptoms and signs and what to do if you suspect you or someone you know has fallen ill.
Symptoms and signs are individual to each person, they do not arise in any particular order and not everyone will show every sign or symptom.
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Why is it so important to catch Meningitis early?
Meningitis is a deadly illness and left untreated can turn into Septicaemia, which is blood poisoning. This is life-threatening.
After effects of meningitis can also include: Brain injury, deafness, learning difficulties, epilepsy, mood swings, disruptive behaviour, sight problems, headaches, tiredness, memory loss, and concentration problems. However, the earlier meningitis is treated the less chance and severity of after effects.
Meningitis can also be passed on to others which means leaving it untreated is not only damaging to you but dangerous to others.
Who is at risk?
Children and babies under 5 are the highest at risk of infection, this makes it incredibly important to ensure they have been vacinated and are up to date with injections.
Other factors that put people at risk include: Medical conditions - like problems with the immune system can increase risk
and contact with a case - cases of meningitis are usually isolated, but in some situations, people who have been in close contact with someone who is ill with bacterial meningitis may be at increased risk of disease
For more information, advice or support:
https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-is-meningitis/frequently-asked-questions/
https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-children-and-adults/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/
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