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Beware of viral meningitis this summer

05.07.10

Our patron Joe Swash is supporting our summer campaign to raise awareness of viral meningitis as he himself had that form of the disease.  Here's what he had to say: 

I would like to remind everyone to be vigilant to the signs and symptoms of vital meningitis as the temperatures continue to soar this summer. Cases of the disease are known to peak during periods of hot weather.

Although viral meningitis isn't life threatening, it can take people a long time to recover and there is no vaccine to prevent it.

I was struck down by a rare form of viral meningitis in September 2005. It came on very suddenly and at first I though I'd had a stroke as I couldn't feel the left side of my body. Then violent headaches started and I started to drift in and out of consciousness.

Doctors diagnosed meningoencephalitis - a rare form of viral meningitis which causes inflammation of the brain. I spent a total of six weeks in hospital and needed three months off work to recover. It left me struggling with my coordination and speech, fearing my acting days would be over.

Having had meningitis myself I know what people go through with it and also what they constantly go through after having had it, which is why I'm supporting Meningitis UK and urging people to be extra alert at this time of year.

The initial symptoms are the same as bacterial meningitis, its more dangerous counterpart which can kill in under four hours. Meningitis UK advises people to look out for a headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright light, fever, feeling sick, confusion and drowsiness, diarrhoea and aching joints.

Treatment is usually rest and painkillers and most people make a full recovery without being admitted to hospital. But, in a small number of cases, people who have suffered from viral meningitis may experience after-effects such as recurring headaches, exhaustion, deafness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), memory loss, lack of co-ordination or confusion.

I would urge your readers to request a symptoms information pack, or make a donation to the Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, by calling Meningitis UK on 0117 373 7373 or visiting www.meningitisuk.org

Joe Swash,
Actor and Meningitis UK patron