Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
From the UK:
Source: http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/mailbag/Dont-confuse-meningitis-symptoms-with.5482768.jp
Don't confuse meningitis symptoms with swine flu
Published Date: 22 July 2009
Meningitis Trust
We at the Meningitis Trust are urging everybody not to mistake the signs and symptoms of meningitis with that of swine flu.
While they can both start out with common flu-like symptoms, differentiating them can be potentially life-saving as meningitis can strike in minutes and kill within hours.
Recognising the symptoms of meningitis can be difficult as many of its symptoms are similar to swine flu.
The rash that is commonly associated with meningitis doesn't appear in all cases, so it is vital that people are aware of the other symptoms.
Rapid deterioration will take hold if left untreated ? symptoms can appear together and some may not appear at all.
They include fever (possibly with cold hands and feet), headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.
In babies, an unusual cry, dislike of being handled and refusing feeds are also signs that can point to meningitis.
If in doubt, always seek urgent medical advice.
We produce and distribute FREE credit card sized symptoms cards for people to keep in their wallets and purses.
To request these, call our freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 0281828 or visit our website at www.meningitis-trust.org
We are urging everyone to Trust their instincts ? if people are concerned about their own, or someone else's health, they must seek medical attention immediately.
NHS Direct has an online symptoms checker to help differentiate meningitis and swine flu at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Source: http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/mailbag/Dont-confuse-meningitis-symptoms-with.5482768.jp
Don't confuse meningitis symptoms with swine flu
Published Date: 22 July 2009
Meningitis Trust
We at the Meningitis Trust are urging everybody not to mistake the signs and symptoms of meningitis with that of swine flu.
While they can both start out with common flu-like symptoms, differentiating them can be potentially life-saving as meningitis can strike in minutes and kill within hours.
Recognising the symptoms of meningitis can be difficult as many of its symptoms are similar to swine flu.
The rash that is commonly associated with meningitis doesn't appear in all cases, so it is vital that people are aware of the other symptoms.
Rapid deterioration will take hold if left untreated ? symptoms can appear together and some may not appear at all.
They include fever (possibly with cold hands and feet), headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.
In babies, an unusual cry, dislike of being handled and refusing feeds are also signs that can point to meningitis.
If in doubt, always seek urgent medical advice.
We produce and distribute FREE credit card sized symptoms cards for people to keep in their wallets and purses.
To request these, call our freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 0281828 or visit our website at www.meningitis-trust.org
We are urging everyone to Trust their instincts ? if people are concerned about their own, or someone else's health, they must seek medical attention immediately.
NHS Direct has an online symptoms checker to help differentiate meningitis and swine flu at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk