Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/n...e-at-serious-risk-of-meningitis-14517551.html
Why over 55s are at serious risk of meningitis
Thursday, 1 October 2009
A stark warning has been issued today to over 55s about the dangers of meningitis after it was revealed they are the third highest ?at risk? group to contract the deadly disease.
The Meningitis Trust has highlighted the information to coincide with International Day for Older People, which falls today. The trust believes that not enough people are aware of the serious risk in the over 55s despite 10% of cases occurring in this age group.
Every year there is an increase in cases of bacterial meningitis over the winter and there is an added danger that people will mistake the symptoms for other common illnesses like the flu.
The trust stresses that during this time vigilance is the key and believes it is vital older people are aware of the symptoms which can include fever with cold hands and feet, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright light, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, and in some cases a rash which doesn't disappear under pressure.
Harriet Penning, communications manager for the Meningitis Trust, said that although it campaigns throughout the year, today?s event is a perfect time to further highlight the need for older people to be on their guard and recognise the signs.
She said: ?The fact that Northern Ireland has an ageing population makes it more important to highlight this issue and the International Day for Older People is a great time to do it.
?And with Grandparents? Day falling this Sunday, it is important for grandparents to be aware of symptoms, not only for themselves but also for their grandchildren.
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/n...isk-of-meningitis-14517551.html#ixzz0Sh8je62c
Why over 55s are at serious risk of meningitis
Thursday, 1 October 2009
A stark warning has been issued today to over 55s about the dangers of meningitis after it was revealed they are the third highest ?at risk? group to contract the deadly disease.
The Meningitis Trust has highlighted the information to coincide with International Day for Older People, which falls today. The trust believes that not enough people are aware of the serious risk in the over 55s despite 10% of cases occurring in this age group.
Every year there is an increase in cases of bacterial meningitis over the winter and there is an added danger that people will mistake the symptoms for other common illnesses like the flu.
The trust stresses that during this time vigilance is the key and believes it is vital older people are aware of the symptoms which can include fever with cold hands and feet, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright light, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, and in some cases a rash which doesn't disappear under pressure.
Harriet Penning, communications manager for the Meningitis Trust, said that although it campaigns throughout the year, today?s event is a perfect time to further highlight the need for older people to be on their guard and recognise the signs.
She said: ?The fact that Northern Ireland has an ageing population makes it more important to highlight this issue and the International Day for Older People is a great time to do it.
?And with Grandparents? Day falling this Sunday, it is important for grandparents to be aware of symptoms, not only for themselves but also for their grandchildren.
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/n...isk-of-meningitis-14517551.html#ixzz0Sh8je62c