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Learn 12 signs of
meningitis and maybe save a life |
PEOPLE of all ages in the
Lisburn area are being urged to learn 12 signs and symptoms of
meningitis this Christmas as the winter brings with it an expected
increase in cases.
Staff at Meningitis Trust are preparing for their busiest time of
the year and their message to everybody is learn at least one
symptom for each of the 12 days of Christmas to help protect
yourself against meningitis.
Symptoms include fever,
headache, stiff neck, light aversion, drowsiness, joint pain,
vomiting, diarrhoea, fitting, rash, high-pitched cry and a bulging
fontanelle.Symptoms can appear in any order and may not all appear at once.
Meningitis Trust chief executive Philip Kirby explained: "From now
until spring we traditionally see more cases of meningitis and
septicaemia. The symptoms can so easily look like other less
harmful conditions. Parents and individuals need to look for the
symptoms and monitor any changes in the patients' condition. Minutes
matter with meningitis."
Parents Emma and David Bryon are urging people of all ages to learn
symptoms.
After celebrating their first Christmas as parents their 10 month
old son Charlie contracted meningitis and died on New Year's Day.
David said: "Christmas is a time when families get together and we
are urging everybody to be aware that meningitis is a danger and can
kill in hours.
"We wish everyone a peaceful Christmas but if someone falls ill
knowing the symptoms could save a life."
Nurses on the Meningitis Trust 24-hour helpline are available all
year round for information and support on 0845 6000 800. |
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