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Meningitis not to be mistaken for flu, experts warn
10 Jun 2008
Research indicates that early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be mistaken for those of flu, according to the Meningitis Trust.
While there are specific symptoms linked with the disease, headache, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and general tiredness can also be meningitis signs and can appear in any order or not at all.
Jane Blewitt, education and training manager at the Meningitis Trust, explained: "The more specific signs and symptoms include stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, confusion, joint and muscle pain, fever with cold hands and feet and, in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure.
"Meningitis and associated septicaemia (blood poisoning) can kill within hours and can affect anyone at any time. Anyone who develops these symptoms should seek medical help urgently."
Chief executive of charity Meningitis UK Steve Dayman added: "Meningitis can be incredibly hard to detect as many of its symptoms are often similar to more minor ailments such as the common cold or flu, plus there are occasions when people show no, or very few, symptoms."
The warnings come as scientists in the UK have identified three strains of meningitis C which are resistant to vaccines, posing a potential threat to children.
The Meningitis Research Foundation reported that one in ten people who contract meningitis and septicaemia dies and many more are left with disabilities.
Experts warn that no other disease kills faster, and a healthy person could die within hours of experiencing initial symptoms.
Click here to visit the Meningitis Quick Guide
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