Meningitis UK’s response to the BMJ article about recognising serious illness in feverish young children in primary care
Meningitis UK wholeheartedly agrees with the recommendations given in the above article. Prompt clinical assessment, and making it easy for parents to consult again if the symptoms deteriorate, are both of vital importance.
Steve Dayman, Meningitis UK's Chief Executive said "Meningitis is notoriously hard to diagnose which is why Meningitis UK advises parents to follow their instincts and persist; most parents who seek medical advice do so because they are extremely worried and know their child best. This should always be taken into account when health professionals consider the condition of a patient, especially when they are showing any signs of meningitis."
"Although meningitis can be treated, it can strike within hours and happens so quickly there is often little time to realise something is seriously wrong. Raising awareness is important but at Meningitis UK we believe the only way to stop people suffering from this disease is to find a vaccine to eradicate it."
Earlier this year Meningitis UK launched its ‘Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign' which signals the start of a major phase in the search for a vaccine for meningococcal group B - the one type of meningitis in the UK for which there is still no vaccine. Scientists believe that with enough support, this can be achieved within the next 7-10 years - possibly even sooner. The aim of the campaign is to raise £7 million over the next seven years to fund the research needed to reach this goal.
To make a donation to support the campaign or request a symptoms information pack including wallet-sized symptoms cards, please call 0117 373 7373 or visit www.meningitisUK.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
