2:00pm Saturday 23rd May 2009 LEADING meningitis charity – the Meningitis Trust – is urging parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives in Yeovil
and South Somerset to become familiar with the signs and symptoms associated with the devastating disease. The plea comes as part of the first ever National Family Week which runs from May 25-31. Families across Britain will come together and celebrate their relatives this month and to coincide with this unique event, the Meningitis Trust is taking the opportunity to remind families to be vigilant and protect their loved-ones against meningitis. Meningitis can affect anyone, of any age, at any time and for many, the suddenness of the disease and the speed with which it develops, is both shocking and overwhelming – leaving families stunned and traumatised. Knowing about the disease and being aware of its symptoms can save lives. Common signs and symptoms include fever (cold hands and feet), vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, joint or muscle pain, drowsiness, confusion, and also, in babies, dislike of being handled, pale blotchy skin, unusual cry, and a blank staring expression. Both adults and children may have a rash (septicaemia) that doesn’t fade under pressure. Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.
The Meningitis Trust provides a host of services committed to supporting the whole family deal with the effects of meningitis.