There are currently over 3,000 cases of meningitis and septicaemia every year in the UK and the effects are devastating.
Meningitis is swelling of the Meninges; the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord, the inflammation usually results from either a bacterial or viral infection. Sepsis or Septicaemia is blood poisoning and the body’s over-reaction to the infection.
Meningococcal Group B is the most common cause of Meningitis and the vaccine is now available on the NHS with a vaccination programme starting with the youngest and most at risk. There is a very successful campaign running to try and make this vaccine available to all children up to the age of 11 (although personally I would like teenagers to be covered for Meningitis B as well). However there is currently a shortage of this vaccine meaning that it is only being offered to very young babies, who are statistically the most likely to succumb to the disease. The vaccines are available privately, but are very expensive.
The Meningitis B vaccine and the other meningitis vaccinations that your baby will receive will still not cover all strains of the disease and so it is vitally important that you remain vigilant and learn how to spot symptoms early.
Older children are now being routinely vaccinated against Meningitis C and from September 2015 onwards teenagers are being vaccinated against Meningitis ACW and Y. Since 2009 there has been a steady increase in cases of Meningitis W. The same bacteria that cause Meningitis ABCW and Y are also found in the back of the nose and throat and teenagers are at a high risk of transmitting the bacteria through kissing.
Meningitis B is currently responsible for the following:
1761 cases of MenB in UK per year
10% of survivors will have a major disability including amputations, brain damage and hearing loss
33% of survivors will have minor deficits including psychological disorders & reduced IQ
Meningitis and Septicaemia can happen to anyone of any age, but babies and toddlers account for 50% of cases and adolescents too, are often particularly at risk.
Meningitis is usually bacterial or viral, and occasionally is due to fungal infections, although almost any microbe can cause it. Viral meningitis can be very unpleasant but is rarely life threatening and most people make a full recovery. Bacterial meningitis is more serious and can be caused by a wide range of different bacteria.
Sepsis is a common and potentially life-threatening condition caused by an infection causing a form of blood poisoning. The body’s immune system over reacts and this results in widespread inflammation, swelling and blood clots. The body can go into septic shock caused by a major decrease in blood pressure and this can interrupt the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys. Sepsis needs to be treated quickly and aggressively in hospital and is sadly often responsible for numerous amputations, brain damage and deaths.
Meningitis and Septicaemia (Sepsis) can be hard to recognise at first as early symptoms are similar to flu and other common illnesses. It is Sepsis that is usually responsible for amputations and fatalities following Meningitis.
For more information on vital areas such as when to call an ambulance please visit http://www.firstaidforlife.org.uk/menin ... nd-sepsis/
Key signs of Meningitis and Sepsis to look out for in babies:
A child that is unwell and has: pale, mottled skin and cold hands and feet
Symptoms can appear in any order, but the first symptoms are usually:
Fever – particularly with cold hands and feet, vomiting, headache and feeling generally unwell – these early symptoms are extremely difficult to recognise as they are similar to many other milder illnesses.
They may have a headache and in small babies the soft spot of their head (fontanelle) could be raised.
They may have vomiting and diarrhoea and difficulty breathing
Floppy, lifeless and drowsy or stiff with jerky movements
A high pitched or moaning cry
Irritable, not wanting to be held/touched
Refusing food
A rash may not appear at all – but if the person is unwell and you see a rash which does not disappear when pressure is applied to it (the tumbler test) – CALL AN AMBULANCE
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Meningitis rash and the tumbler test DO NOT WAIT FOR A RASH!
meningitis-rashPicture courtesy of Meningitis Foundation
With most rashes, when pressure is applied to the skin, the rash disappears. With meningitis, the rash is different and does not disappear with pressure and so can be seen when a clear glass tumbler is pressed over the skin (the tumbler test)
Pictures thanks to the Meningitis Research Foundation
It can be harder to see a rash on dark skin, check the soles of the feet, palms of hands, roof of mouth and inside eyelids
Meningitis can kill in 4 hours, if you are worried it is vitally important to act quickly
Please click the link below for key symptoms to watch out for in any children with suspected Sepsis.
For more information on vital areas such as the six signs of Sepsis and when to call an ambulance please visit http://www.firstaidforlife.org.uk/menin ... nd-sepsis/
For more information please contact emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk or book onto one of our practical or online courses.
