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Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/h...u-predicted-to-rise-in-autumn-91466-24621845/
Meningitis warnings as swine flu predicted to rise in autumn
Sep 7 2009 by Gregory Tindle, Western Mail
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PARENTS and teachers across Wales are being urged to be extra-vigilant at the start of the new school term and be wary of not confusing the symptoms of swine flu and meningitis.
With cases of swine flu expected to rise this autumn, the Meningitis Research Foundation is warning people how easy it is to mistake the early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia for flu.
Their concerns follow the deaths from meningitis of at least five people in the UK who were originally thought to have swine flu. They stressed how important it is to learn to recognise the early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.
The campaigners say the swine flu pandemic may lead to a rise in UK cases of meningitis this year, as has happened following previous flu epidemics. Children and teenagers are more at risk from meningitis and septicaemia than adults, and cases tend to increase in the autumn and winter.
MRF chief executive Christopher Head said: ?People who feel unwell with fever, headache and flu-like symptoms are most likely to have flu, but it is important to know the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia in case the illness gets worse. Delayed diagnosis of meningitis, coupled with the rapid progress of the disease, can be fatal. Meningitis can kill in hours.
?If swine flu cases increase, there could be more cases of meningitis and septicaemia this winter. Spotting meningitis symptoms early can save lives. Specifically, look out for early-warning symptoms such as cold hands and feet, severe pain in the limbs and joints, and pale or mottled skin, as well as ?classic? symptoms like a non-blanching rash, stiff neck and dislike of bright lights. Seek medical help if you are worried about a child who is ill.?
The MRF run a free 24-hour helpline (080...) with trained staff and nurses on hand to discuss any aspect of meningitis and septicaemia.
Meningitis warnings as swine flu predicted to rise in autumn
Sep 7 2009 by Gregory Tindle, Western Mail
Add a comment
Recommend
PARENTS and teachers across Wales are being urged to be extra-vigilant at the start of the new school term and be wary of not confusing the symptoms of swine flu and meningitis.
With cases of swine flu expected to rise this autumn, the Meningitis Research Foundation is warning people how easy it is to mistake the early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia for flu.
Their concerns follow the deaths from meningitis of at least five people in the UK who were originally thought to have swine flu. They stressed how important it is to learn to recognise the early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.
The campaigners say the swine flu pandemic may lead to a rise in UK cases of meningitis this year, as has happened following previous flu epidemics. Children and teenagers are more at risk from meningitis and septicaemia than adults, and cases tend to increase in the autumn and winter.
MRF chief executive Christopher Head said: ?People who feel unwell with fever, headache and flu-like symptoms are most likely to have flu, but it is important to know the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia in case the illness gets worse. Delayed diagnosis of meningitis, coupled with the rapid progress of the disease, can be fatal. Meningitis can kill in hours.
?If swine flu cases increase, there could be more cases of meningitis and septicaemia this winter. Spotting meningitis symptoms early can save lives. Specifically, look out for early-warning symptoms such as cold hands and feet, severe pain in the limbs and joints, and pale or mottled skin, as well as ?classic? symptoms like a non-blanching rash, stiff neck and dislike of bright lights. Seek medical help if you are worried about a child who is ill.?
The MRF run a free 24-hour helpline (080...) with trained staff and nurses on hand to discuss any aspect of meningitis and septicaemia.