In honour of Universal Children’s Day, ACT for Meningitis has today officially launched its winter awareness campaign.

 

Joined by its ambassador, Dragon’s Den star and MD of Cara Pharmacy Ramona Nicholas, the charity is seeking to highlight the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis this season.

 

Statistics show that there is a higher risk of contracting the illness during the winter months, with germs spreading more easily due to increased time spent indoors and in close contact with others. The risk is heightened by the weakening effect of winter colds and flus on the immune system.

 

Knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis can save a life, and ACT for Meningitis aims to spread the message of awareness with this new campaign.

 

Speaking at the launch today, ambassador Ramona Nicholas said: “As a mother, I urge all parents to get to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis. If you suspect meningitis, trust your instincts and seek medical help immediately. Time is of the utmost importance”.

 

 

The signs of meningitis can include vomiting, fever, headache, stiff neck, severe muscle pain, and confusion. 
 

Symptoms in babies may include being irritable, refusing to feed, high pitched crying, rapid breathing, cold hands and feet, and a bulging soft spot on the head.  Meningitis does not always produce a rash, but if it does appear it will not fade under pressure

 

Children up to age five are the most at risk age group, 16 to 24-year-olds are the second highest at risk age group, but anyone of any age can contract meningitis.

 

For more information, contact ACT for Meningitis by email at actformeningitis@gmail.com, or visit the website at www.actformeningitis.ie.

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