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Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

How a mother's instinct saved her son from meningitis

 

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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