Today (October 5th) marks World Meningitis Day.
Meningitis is defined by the
World Health Organisation as 'inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually caused by infection that requires immediate medical care'.
How meningitis-aware are you? Knowing exactly what to look out for could save yours or a loved one's life.
In light of today being World Meningitis Day, the charity
ACT for Meningitis is on a mission to bust some of the myths that surround the disease.
Rashes
One common misconception is that meningitis always produces a rash. However,
ACT for Meningitis stresses that a rash is usually a sign of septicemia and can be one of the last symptoms to present, if at all.
Trusting your instincts is key; do not wait to see if a rash develops. A helpful tip for when a rash does appear is to press a glass firmly against the skin, as a meningitis rash will not fade under pressure.
Spots or a rash may fade at first, so keep checking and check paler parts of the skin, as it may be difficult to identify on darker skin.
If you suspect meningitis,
seek help immediately.
Below is a helpful guide for differentiating the difference between meningitis and septicaemia:
[caption id="attachment_434358" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Credit: ACT for Meningitis[/caption]
Other myths may lead many to believe that only babies are at risk of getting the disease that can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, when the reality is that anyone of any age can get meningitis.
Some may be under the impression that, if vaccinated, we are protected from developing this viral infection. The truth is, according to ACT for Meningitis, that there are currently no vaccinations against all types of meningitis.
Viral meningitis has a reputation for not being a serious illness, and while it is rarely life-threatening, viral meningitis can leave people with debilitating aftereffects.
One in 10 people who contract meningitis will sadly die, with one in five suffering aftereffects, according to
ACT for Meningitis .
For more information, please visit the
ACT for Meningitis website.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have meningitis,
act immediately and seek medical attention.
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