National charity Meningitis Research Foundation is endeavouring to dispel a meningitis myth to raise awareness of the disease and help save lives this summer. Many people believe meningitis and septicaemia — the blood poisoning form of the disease — can only be contracted during the winter months, when people are more susceptible to illness, however these diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time.
MRF is encouraging people in the area to familiarise themselves with information and advice on how to spot symptoms, as cases of viral meningitis are known to peak during periods of hot weather. Whilst viral meningitis is almost never life threatening, it is very unpleasant and can have long-lasting after-effects. Both meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first and symptoms can appear in any order, however shared symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like in many other illnesses.
Serious symptoms of meningitis can include a rash (which is not present in all cases ) neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, seizures and being very sleepy or difficult to wake. Red flag symptoms of septicaemia include pale or mottled skin, cold hands and feet, and muscle pain.
Call the Foundation’s Freefone 24 hour helpline on 18003344 to request a free symptoms pack or visit the website: www.meningitis.org
