StemCell Therapy

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

If untreated, it can turn serious very quickly - one in ten cases of bacterial meningitis are fatal, according to the NHS.

For this reason the meningitis ACWY jab is offered for free to everyone aged 17 and 18 in England.

However, there are concerns that not enough school leavers are having it, with only a third vaccinated against the condition last year.

The Royal College of Nursing this week warned that people are risking loss of limbs, arthritis and even death by not having it.

Older teenagers and university students are thought to be particularly at risk since they are mixing with lots of new people.

This vaccine is different from other meningitis jabs often giving to babies including the meningitis B vaccine, 6-in-1 vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, meningitis C vaccine and MMR vaccine.

It can be spread by coughs, sneezes and kisses.

A classic symptom of the condition is a blotchy rash, where small red, pinpricks spread quickly over the body before turning into red or purple blotches.

According to the NHS, if you press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin and the rash doesn't fade, it's a sign of blood poisoning - or septicaemia - which requires urgent medical attention.

Other signs of the condition include a high temperature, feeling and being sick, lack of energy, a headache, achieving muscles, breathing quickly and cold hands or feet.

Additionally, sufferers may experience pale and mottled skin, a stiff neck, confusion, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness and seizures.

It is possible to make a full recovery, but the condition can lead to long-term or life-threatening problems.

These include hearing loss, problems with memory, vision loss, loss of limbs to stop the infection spreading arthritis and kidney problems.

Helen Donovan, from the Royal College of Nursing, said: "Meningitis can be fatal, and can leave those who survive with life-changing disabilities. Vaccination is quick, easy and free, and offers protection against most strains of the disease, but reaching young people is not easy.

"Many will have been away over the summer travelling or working before university. But the risk is real and getting vaccinated saves lives.

"We are urging people to contact their surgeries now and book an appointment with the practice nurse."

See original here:
Arthritis warning: Going without THIS vaccine puts you at risk of joint damage - Express.co.uk

This entry was posted on August 16, 2017 at 10:47 am and is filed under Arthritis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |