PARENTS were asked to update their knowledge when it comes to deadly meningitis and blood poisoning.
Experts have now warned that the disease is “more than a rash,” after only one in 20 revealed the main signs of the condition.
The new survey also found that mothers are eight times more likely than fathers to know what to watch out for when it comes to deadly insects.
The research, conducted by the Meningitis Research Foundation, highlights the knowledge gap that British people have.
Today is World Meningitis Day, and experts have warned that not enough parents know about the other signs, aside from a rash, they should be looking for.
Meningitis and blood poisoning are closely related diseases as they are both caused by the same bacteria.
Sometimes the symptoms can resemble those of the flu, especially in the early stages of the disease.
Most at risk for the disease are children under the age of five, adolescents and young adults.
Claire Wright, head of evidence and policy at the Meningitis Research Foundation, said parents should think of sepsis as blood poisoning caused by the same bacteria as meningitis.
He added: “Every day we support people who face the life-changing impact of meningitis and septicemia, from deafness to limb loss, epilepsy or long-term memory problems.
“Yet the bacteria that cause these diseases can be defeated in our lifetime through better vaccine development, availability and uptake, better diagnostic tests, and knowing when to get medical help.
“It’s also important to remember that meningitis and blood poisoning are more than just a rash, which doesn’t always appear.
“This survey tells us that not enough parents are aware of some of the other signs to watch out for.
“We want to change it so that more lives can be saved.”
The survey, conducted by YouGov, also found that more than three-quarters of parents (78%) knew that meningitis, caused by bacteria that infect the lining of the brain and spine, is life-threatening and can be fatal by 24 years. hours. .
Most knew that insects could cause a rash, and most knew that if you have meningitis, you might struggle with bright lights.
However, many parents were less aware of other symptoms.
Those most commonly associated with blood poisoning, such as cold and shaking feet, have been recognized by less than a third of parents.
Meningitis: the signs you need to know
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and include:
- High fever above 37.5 degrees – the average human temperature
- be sick
- headache
- a blotchy rash that doesn’t go away when you roll a glass over it
- stiffness, especially in the neck
- sensitivity to bright light
- sleepiness, irritability, or lack of energy
- cold hands and feet
- convulsions
The classic rash associated with meningitis usually looks like small red pins at first.
But it will spread all over the body and turn into red or purple spots.
Pressing the side of a glass firmly against the skin where the rash is and it won’t fade is a sign of blood poisoning and you should see a doctor right away.
About 33% did not realize that rapid breathing or shortness of breath was a sign, and 43% did not know that mottled skin was an indicator of disease.
The parents were somewhat aware of other signs of meningitis, such as stiff necks and severe headaches.
The survey found that 69% of mothers were able to recognize at least half of the symptoms, compared with 33% of fathers.
Only 15% of the fathers did not know any of the symptoms, compared to 4% of the mothers.
A father, a child who contracted meningitis in December 2021, said this lack of knowledge “must change”.
James Vincent said he had little understanding before his 3-year-old son George contracted meningitis.
The 41-year-old said he suffered from symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and lethargy.
James, who lives in Barrowash, Derbyshire, added: “I didn’t know anything about meningitis.
“I knew about a rash and a glass, but George didn’t have those symptoms and there are many others, but people are often not aware of them.”
Little George has suffered from hearing loss since his battle with meningitis and is currently on the road to recovery.
