A Kilkenny woman is sharing her harrowing story about a time when she contracted meningitis, to highlight Meningitis Awareness Week, which is taking place until Sunday next.
Phyllis Brady O’Neill, of Kilkenny, is helping to spread the word about meningitis and septicaemia by sharing the story of her own frightening experience.
“At the age of 40 at the time I got that dreadful headache, my body was stiff and I had a high fever,” she said.
She was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and had to spend 3 weeks in hospital isolation.
“I was newly married to a wonderful man and didn’t want to die,” she added. It’s been over 14 year’s since her experience but even now, she finds it difficult to talk about it. She is hoping to help raise awareness so that lives can be saved.
Every week 5 people become ill with meningitis and septicaemia. This means that more than 2 deaths will occur monthly and 56 people will be left with life-altering after-effects ranging from severe brain damage to deafness and multiple amputations every year in Ireland.
Cases of meningitis and septicaemia typically increase in the autumn and peak during the winter months. The Foundation’s aim is to save lives by raising awareness of the dangers of meningitis and septicaemia, the blood poisoning form, and by providing free symptom packs to the public.
Free B Aware symptom packs are available through the Foundation’s Freefone 24-hour helpline –1800 41 33 44– or website – www.meningitis.org
