Viral Meningitis Awareness Week: Raising Awareness and Advocating for Justice

Viral meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 

Symptoms to Look Out For

Recognising the symptoms of viral meningitis early can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Key symptoms according to the NHS website include:

• Fever and chills
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty focusing or confusion
• Double vision

In infants, symptoms can be harder to detect but may include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Bulging soft spot on the head (fontanelle)
• Irritability
• Poor feeding
• Sleepiness or trouble waking up
• Low energy or lethargy

How Viral Meningitis Spreads

Viral meningitis can spread through various means, depending on the virus involved.

According to the NHS website, common transmission methods include:

• Respiratory secretions: Sharing respiratory or throat secretions (saliva or spit) through close contact, such as coughing, sneezing, or talking.
• Contaminated surfaces: Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• Close contact: Direct contact with an infected person, including sharing food, drinks, or personal items.

Our Commitment to Justice

At Freeths, we are dedicated to advocating for individuals affected by clinical negligence. One notable case involved a client who experienced severe symptoms initially misdiagnosed as swine flu by their healthcare provider. Despite repeated visits and worsening symptoms, the correct diagnosis of meningitis was delayed, resulting in significant brain injury that profoundly impacted their life. Through meticulous investigation and collaboration with medical experts, we demonstrated that the healthcare provider failed to recognise the signs of meningitis and did not provide the necessary urgent care. This negligence led to our client suffering irreversible damage.

Securing Compensation

Our dedicated team worked tirelessly to obtain substantial compensation for our client. This financial support has been crucial in providing the necessary medical care, rehabilitation, and assistance to manage their condition. As a result, our client has been able to live independently and significantly improve their quality of life.

Raising Awareness and Supporting Recovery

During Viral Meningitis Awareness Week, we emphasise the importance of recognising the symptoms of viral meningitis and seeking prompt medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing severe complications and ensuring better outcomes for patients.

 We also highlight the need for comprehensive aftercare and support for those recovering from viral meningitis. Many individuals are unaware of the long-term effects and struggle with daily activities long after the initial infection has subsided.