NEWS CHANNELA vigilant mum who quickly spotted the onset of meningitis in her baby boy is urging other people to find out more about this life-threatening disease.
Barnaby Lee contracted meningitis at six months old and because his mum, Nicola, recognising the other signs and symptoms he was treated just in time and he has made a good recovery.
Mrs Lee said: “We noticed he was making a groaning noise, his body was floppy and he had a high temperature.
Luckily he was being treated as his skin began to blotch.”
Nicola’s instinct meant that Barnaby’s illness wasn’t fatal but any later than this it may have been a different story.
Meningitis can start with ‘flu-like’ symptoms. Those to look out for are a fever, headache, vomiting and muscle pain.
Other symptoms can include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and seizures.
In babies, symptoms can include being floppy and unresponsive, dislike of being handled, rapid breathing, a moaning cry and a bulging soft spot on the top of their head.
The Meningitis Trust has found that up to 34 million adults in the UK are risking death through the mistaken belief that the main symptom of meningitis is a rash.
As the country finds itself in the peak season for the devastating disease, the national charity is campaigning to stop this deadly misconception.
The Trust is worried to find that 71% of people immediately think of a rash when identifying meningitis* – that is why it is hammering home the message ‘Don’t Wait for a Rash’.
It is also concerned to find that a further 5.3 million adults in the UK cannot name a single sign or symptom which can appear quickly and rapid deterioration is a sign of a medical emergency.
Nicola and the charity are urging everyone to be aware of all the symptoms. Information is provided free by the Meningitis Trust.
You can download one of its free smart phone apps available at www.meningitisapp.co.uk, visit www.meningitis-trust.org <http://www.meningitis-trust.org/>, or call its freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 18 28 and request information or a free signs and symptoms card.
