The Meningitis Research Foundation has issued a warning to parents in the run-up to Christmas regarding the signs and symptoms associated with meningitis - a disease which can sometimes be mistaken for a mild illness.
With babies, children and teens at a heightened risk during the Christmas season on account of an increase in social gatherings and family functions, the charity has urged parents to be extra vigilant should their child fall ill in the coming weeks.
Commenting on the link between the season and the disease, CEO of MRF, Vinny Smith, explained: "We know this is the season when cases increase so it’s really important people are aware just how vulnerable babies, young children, teenagers and students can be."
Reminding parents to treat certain symptoms with extra caution, he explained: "In the early stages, meningitis and septicaemia can often be mistaken for flu, but they can kill and seriously disable a healthy person within hours."
In addition to fever, vomiting, headache and general malaise, a child can also experience cold hands and feet, stiffness of the neck, confusion and a dislike for bright lights.
Elaborating on the symptoms associated with the disease, Mr. Smith continued: "Further signs in babies include tense or bulging soft spot on their head, refusing to feed, being irritable when picked up, with a high pitched or moaning cry, a stiff body with jerky movements, or else floppy and lifeless."
Speaking to the Huffington Post, Mr. Smith stressed the importance of swift action, insisting: "Get medical help immediately if you suspect meningitis or septicaemia - it's a race against time."
