Supporting World Meningitis Day
Raising awareness on the prevention and cures of the disease
Meningitis Research Foundation has a goal to see a world free of meningitis and septicaemia. Their aim by 2030 is to see fewer people contracting the disease through effective vaccines for epidemics and routine schedules to protect those most at risk.
Meningitis Vaccinations during COVID-19
Vaccination programmes are continuing during COVID-19. Public Health Authorities have advised that all UK routine immunisations should continue as normal during this period.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a comprehensive statement affirming that routine immunisations should continue. Although some GP surgeries are suspending appointments; GP surgeries have clear guidance to continue to offer immunisation appointments.
The immunisation programmes which normally take place in schools have been suspended during the lockdown period, these should resume as soon as schools re-open.
Signs and Symptoms
With an estimated 8,000 cases of meningitis within the next year it is important and that people continue to look out for signs and symptoms and do not hesitate in seeking medical advice at the earliest opportunity.
The symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order, do not wait for a rash. The symptoms in adults and children can include:
- Fever, cold hands and feet
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle Pain
- Stomach cramps
- Stiff Neck
- Confusion and irritability
- Pale, blotchy skin
- Spots/rash
Meningitis Claims
The Clinical Negligence Team at Clarke Willmott are currently acting for a number of families whose lives have been turned upside down by the devastating impact of this disease, where there have been delays in diagnosing the disease and treating accordingly. These include families where children have suffered hearing loss, amputations and significant brain damage.
If you or a family member have suffered as a result of a delay in diagnosis please contact Kerry Fifield; Partner in the Clinical Negligence team or on 0800 316 8892.
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