Get it Sussed
www.meningitis.org
Get it Sussed
Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours
Remember, vaccines can’t prevent all forms. You’re fit and healthy – you think it’s only flu, a hangover or the effects of a heavy night out, but don’t just leave it. Check out the symptoms If a mate’s looking rough, stick around If you’re feeling really bad, If it gets worse fast, get medical tell someone help immediately
Symptoms can appear in any order, but the early symptoms often appear before meningitis symptoms like neck stiffness and dislike of bright lights, and before the more serious symptoms. Someone who feels really ill needs medical help even if they have no rash or a rash that fades. Not everyone gets all these symptoms.
Septicaemia
Fever Throwing up repeatedly Shivering Very cold hands and feet Pale or mottled skin Severe limb pain or pain in joints or muscles Rapid breathing Thirst Stomach pain (sometimes diarrhoea) Rash Difficulty walking or standing Severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
Rash on white skin
Fever
Meningitis
Throwing up repeatedly Severe headache Stiff neck Dislike of bright lights Confusion, deliriousness Severe sleepiness, losing consciousness Rash
e e e
Rash on dark skin
Seizures
The rash starts as tiny red pinprick marks and develops into purple bruises or blood blisters. If a glass tumbler is pressed firmly against a septicaemic rash, the marks will not fade. You will be able to see the rash through the glass. If this happens, get medical help immediately. It is harder to see on dark skin, so check paler areas.
■ 1 in 10 of us at any time carry the bacteria, and this is
usually harmless
■ We pass them on by close contact, such as kissing ■ In a very few people the bacteria get into the blood
stream and cause meningitis and/or septicaemia
■ We don’t know who is at risk - so get the symptoms
Freefone 24 hour helpline 080 8800 3344 (UK) 1800 41 33 44 (ROI)
sussed - you could save a life
Meningitis Research Foundation: Midland Way Thornbury Bristol BS35 2BS Tel 01454 281811 133 Gilmore Place Edinburgh EH3 9PP Tel 0131 228 3322
www.meningitis.org
71 Botanic Ave Belfast BT7 1JL Tel 028 9032 1283 63 Lower Gardiner Street Dublin 1 Tel 01 819 6931
A charity registered in England and Wales No 1091105 and CHY 12030 in Republic of Ireland. Registered Office: Midland Way Thornbury Bristol BS35 2BS © Meningitis Research Foundation 06/2006