AS there are severe weather conditions predicted for the weekend, the Meningitis Trust is urging everyone to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of meningitis. We are at an increased risk during the winter when we spend more time indoors and in closer proximity to others – meaning germs are spread more easily.
Meningitis can strike in minutes and kill within hours. If people are concerned about their own, or someone else's, health they must seek medical attention immediately.
Recognising the symptoms can be difficult as many of them are similar to more
common illnesses like the flu.
They include fever (possibly with cold hands and feet), headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion. In babies, an unusual cry, dislike of being handled and refusing feeds are also signs that can point to meningitis.
If in doubt, always seek urgent medical advice.
The rash that is commonly associated with meningitis doesn't appear in all cases, so it is vital that people are aware of the other symptoms.
Symptoms can appear together and some may not appear at all.
We produce and distribute free credit card-sized symptoms cards for people to keep in their wallets and purses. To request one, call our free 24-hour, nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 18 28 or visit our website at www. meningitis- trust.org.
Kirsty Barnby, communications officer, Meningitis TrustThe full article contains 241 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
