I am writing on behalf of the Meningitis Trust in response to news that Sapper Ashley Hall, who lost both his legs and suffered other serious injuries in a bomb blast in Afghanistan, and his brother Matt have contracted viral meningitis and are sharing a ward at Colchester General Hospital (Gazette, February 3).
We hope they get better soon. Viral meningitis can cause after-effects, which include headaches, tiredness and memory loss.
The recovery process from viral meningitis can be very slow, so it is important they both take their time.
The symptoms of viral meningitis can be very similar to those of bacterial meningitis, so it is essential to seek urgent medical help if concerned.
Recognising the symptoms of meningitis can be difficult, as many are similar to common illnesses, such as flu.
Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.
They include fever, possibly with cold hands and feet, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.
In babies, an unusual cry, dislike of being handled and refusing feeds are also signs that can point to meningitis. If in doubt, always seek urgent medical advice.
If people are concerned about their own, or someone else’s health, they must seek medical attention immediately.
We provide lifesaving symptoms information.
Simply call our freephone, 24-hour, nurse-staffed helpline on 0800 0281828, download our free iPhone app at www.meningitisapp.
com or visit our website www.meningitistrust.
org.
Liz Fenwick
Communications Officer
Meningitis Trust
Bath Road
Stroud
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