How to spot warning signs of deadly illness
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Wednesday November 11 2009
- How is it possible to mistake meningitis for swine flu?
Both illnesses can start with flu-like symptoms such as high temperature, vomiting and headache, as well as pain in limbs and joints.
Half of all cases of bacterial meningitis occur in children under five years old and these are also a high-risk group for swine flu.
- What symptoms should parents be alert for when trying to find out if a child has meningitis?
Look for red-flag early warning symptoms such as cold hands and feet, severe pain in the limbs and joints, and pale, mottled skin, as well as more common signs like stiff neck and dislike of bright lights. It can also lead to confusion and, in some cases, a rash.
Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.
- Is it just children who are at risk of meningitis?
Around 10pc of bacterial meningitis cases occur in the over 55s, so they should also be aware of the symptoms of the disease.
Meningitis can kill within hours. Survivors can be left with disabling after-effects, including brain damage, sight and hearing loss and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring.
- How prevalent is bacterial meningitis?
There are around 250-300 cases of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning from the disease) every year in Ireland. It means around two deaths a month occur from the disease and a further 56 people are left with severe after-effects such as brain damage, hearing loss or amputation.
- Where can I go for help?
There are two helplines: the Meningitis Research Foundation (1800 41 33 44) and The Meningitis Trust (1800 523 196).
Irish Independent
