Knowing the signs of meningitis can save your life. Here are the five most common myths about meningitis
1. Only babies get meningitis
WRONG: Meningitis can affect anyone.
2. You always get a rash with meningitis
WRONG: A rash is a sign of blood poisoning (septicaemia*) and it can be one of the last symptoms to be displayed. If and when it does, it could be too late.
*Many medical experts now use the term sepsis instead of septicaemia
3. All types of meningitis can be prevented with vaccines
WRONG: There is NO vaccine to protect against all forms of meningitis, Familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms.
4. Meningitis is always fatal
WRONG: 10% of people who contract bacterial meningitis will die. We also estimate that up to 30%-50% of those who survive bacterial meningitis are left with one or more permanent problems such as hearing loss, learning and behavioural problems and epilepsy.
5. Viral meningitis is a mild form of the disease
WRONG: Although it’s rarely life-threatening, viral meningitis can leave people with serious and debilitating after-effects, including headaches and memory loss.
Download a signs and symptoms card, be aware and trust your instincts.
