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Today is World Meningitis day

ACT Meningitis has asked people to share the symptoms of Meningitis on their facebook Status today so that people may become aware of the symptoms and in turn it may save a life: As with Meningitis early diagnosis is everything. I thought I'd blog on this so that it will be here forever and more people may stumble across it rather than if I solely put it as my facebook status.

Any charity that is connected with meningitis is extremely close to my heart and I've reached out to ACT Meningitis to offer my help in any way that I can, as I really want to get involved and do my part.
As you may know If you follow my blog or if you know me personally: I lost my friend Sadhbh two years ago at the young age of 18 to the Meningitis Disease.

You can click here to read more about my friendship with Sadhbh on a blog I wrote based on our memories when it should have been her 21st Birthday last month.

Meningitis is very hard to detect as a lot of the symptoms are "flu-like" and often people think of the rash(-which does not disappear when a glass is rolled over it )when they think of meningitis and if the rash is not present they may delay and think that it cant be a case of Meningitis:

If you have any concerns DO NOT WAIT FOR THE RASH!! In many cases of meningitis the rash may not appear at all!!

Here are the symptoms please take a minute to read through carefully but remember not all the symptoms need to be present and can also be present in milder infections. 

Babies and Infants:

• Unusually sleepy/not waking for feeds.
• Very irritable, does not want to be handled or picked up.
• High temperature.
• Limp and floppy or stiff and jerky movements
• Not feeding as much as normal/vomiting.
• Not easily consoled/calmed
• Pale in colour or turning blue.
• Breathing unusually fast.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Blotchy skin colour.
• Red pin point or purplish rash (may not be present)
• An unusual or high pitch cry.
• A bulging soft spot on top of head.
• Check your baby often as babies can get ill very quickly.

Toodlers and young Children:

• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• High Temperature
• Confusion/irritable
• Very sleepy 
• Breathing unusually fast
• Cold hands/feet /Shivering.
• Pin prick rash or purple rash (again not always)
• Dislike bright lights (less likely under 3)
• Stiff neck (less likely under 3)
• Severe muscle pain-Not happy to move about, stand or walk.
• Jerky Body movements, possible seizures.

Adults:

• Severe headaches
• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Dislike of bright lights
• Joint / muscle pain
• Vomiting.
• Uncontrollable shivering.
• Stomach cramps.
• Drowsiness.
• Confusion/aggression.
• Seizures, uncotrolled jerky movements 

Meningitis can occur at any age this is why it is important to be aware of the symptoms at all times! It is very common among young people in particular-from babies and toddlers to teens and college students. Awareness is vital!

Personally I also think it is vital not only to raise awareness of the Meningitis disease but to raise awareness and consideration when it comes to our health system to ensure that nobody is left waiting for hours in A&E before being seen-This was an experience of mine when I went into A&E last year after suffering from a collapse due to heart problems.

Act is a non-profit organisation that aims raise awareness and to educate society on the signs and symptoms or meningitis. It was established in 2011 by Siobhan and Noel Carrol, who in 2008 lost their precious daughter Aoibhe-aged 4 to Meningitis. Since losing Aoibhe Siobhan and Noel feel that there is urgent need to increase awareness and educate people of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

Support their page on Facebook by clicking here and giving it a 'like' also visit their website to find out more about meningitis and about upcoming events that you can attend or get involved in to help the charity. http://www.actformeningitis.ie/

Please Remember Rapid medical attention is vital! Every second counts when it comes to early diagnosis of meningitis and most of all Trust your instincts!  

ACT stands for: 

A- ASK could these symptoms be meningitis?

C- CONTACT your doctor.

T-TIME -every second counts!!

Act today for a brighter tomorrow!

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo