Following footballer Daniel Sturridge’s high-profile battle with viral meningitis, national charity Meningitis UK is warning people to be aware of viral meningitis this summer.
Many people believe meningitis is a disease associated with winter, but viral meningitis cases peak during the summer and can hit anyone, of any age.
Unlike bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening. The majority of people recover with bed rest within five days to a fortnight but it can cause long-lasting after-effects such as fatigue, memory loss, concentration problems and depression.
Be aware of symptoms
It is important to know what to look out for. Symptoms include a headache – which can often be more severe than with bacterial meningitis – a fever and fatigue plus can progress to a dislike of bright lights, nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck.
The symptoms can often be similar to bacterial meningitis.
Meningitis UK’s message is – if you think it is meningitis – trust your instincts and seek medical advice immediately.
If any of your readers would like a symptoms information pack, or more information on Meningitis UK’s work call 0117 947
Image: Montage Comms under CC BY 2.0
