Ken Loach launches campaign to highlight meningitis this winter
13.12.10
A CAMPAIGN has been launched warning people to look out for deadly disease meningitis this winter.
Cases peak in the cold weather and Meningitis UK's message is that people of all ages are at risk from the brain bug, which can kill in under four hours.
The charity's urging people to request a free poster, which they're then encouraged to distribute to their local GP surgeries, schools, nurseries or any establishment which might display it.
The 'Look Out 4 Meningitis, Look Out 4 Others' campaign was launched by acclaimed film director Ken Loach, who has first-hand experience of the devastation caused by meningitis after the disease left his granddaughter Holly fighting for her life at 13-months-old.
She lost her hearing after being diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis in 2000.
Now, aged 11, Holly has cochlear implants to provide her with a sense of sound and the youngster has astounded experts by becoming a talented musician.
Ken, famous for directing Kes and The Wind That Shakes the Barley, said: "Now's the time of the year to put meningitis on people's radar. As a family we know how devastating this disease can be and I'm happy to lend my support in publicising the campaign.
"Let's hope the poster alerts everyone to the dangers. The more people know about meningitis and its symptoms the more lives will be saved."
People are most at risk from meningitis during the winter months, with the majority of dangerous bacterial forms striking due to the cold weather causing weakened immune systems. People spend longer inside, which means germs spread more easily.
Because the symptoms are so similar to the common cold and flu, people often delay seeking medical advice until they're dangerously ill and misdiagnosis is common.
Meningitis UK Chief Executive Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "We're really grateful to Ken for supporting Meningitis UK and our winter campaign.
"It's a dangerous misconception to think meningitis can only affect babies and young children, which is why we've produced posters to show that anyone of any age can fall ill with the disease.
"We're hoping people will request our new poster and help us to raise awareness at the time of the year when people are most at risk.
"Knowing the symptoms and getting swift treatment can mean the difference between life and death."
Classic symptoms of meningitis are a headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright light. Other symptoms can include difficulty supporting own weight, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea and confusion and drowsiness.
Common symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia include aching limbs, cold hands and feet and a rash which starts like pin prick marks and develops rapidly into purple bruising.
Not everyone gets all the symptoms, and they can appear in any order. Children under five and those aged 15 to 25 are most at risk, particularly those who have recently suffered from a cold or flu, but the disease can affect anyone of any age.
Meningitis UK's Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign aims to help raise £7million to fund vital research into developing a vaccine to protect against all forms of meningitis.
To request a poster or a free symptoms information pack to help raise awareness, call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774