URGENT meningitis warning to parents during RISKY festive period

Christmas is a meningitis risk period

 

PARENTS have been warned by a national charity children are more at risk of meningitis at Christmas.

 

ery year there are 3,200 cases of meningitis, with many of these being diagnosed now at the ‘height of meningitis season.’

Potential bugs picked up at family gatherings and the colder weather lower the immune systems of children and makes them more susceptible to developing meningitis, a major charity has warned parents.

One in 10 people affected by bacterial meningitis will die, according to The Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) and children under the age of five are often most at risk from developing the life-threatening condition. 

 



Children under five and babies are more at risk from meningitis



 

Experts at the MRF are warning people to be especially vigilant of the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). 

Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis, septicaemia or both. 

More serious than viral meningitis, the bacterial strain often begins suddenly and worsens at a rapid rate.

 



Meningitis has many recognisable symptoms



 

The NHS recommend looking out for the following signs in your babies or children: high fever with cold hands and feet, vomiting and refusal to feed, agitation, drowsiness or floppiness, grunting or rapid breathing, unusual high-pitched cry, a tense and bulging spot on their head, a stiff neck, an aversion to bright lights and convulsions or seizures.

A more commonly recognised symptom is a red rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it. 

Experts advise seeking medical help immediately, even if the rash hasn’t appeared or developed.

  

Experts advise to look out for a rash amongst one of the symptoms

 

Vinny Smith, CEO of Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF), said: "We know this is the season when cases increase so it's really important people are aware just how vulnerable their loved ones can be – especially babies, young children, teenagers and students.

"In the early stages, meningitis and septicaemia can often be mistaken for milder illnesses, such as flu, but they can kill and seriously disable a healthy person within hours.

"Sadly one in 10 people affected will die and a third of survivors will be left with after-effects, some as serious as brain damage, amputations, blindness and hearing loss.”