Speak up if you have had viral meningitis

THE UK’s leading meningitis charity is calling for those who have suffered from viral meningitis to be Vocal about Viral to help dispel myths and misconceptions that this form of the disease is not dangerous and always mild.

Meningitis Now’s annual Viral Meningitis Awareness Week, between May 1 and 7 seeks to raise awareness to inform the public, health professionals and employers about the true impact of the disease and the long-term problems it can bring.

Although rarely life-threatening, viral meningitis, which is more common than bacterial meningitis, can make people very unwell and for some the after-effects can be lifechanging.

Symptoms of viral meningitis can include a severe headache, a dislike of bright lights, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and confusion.

The disease can affect anyone of any age.

Meningitis Now is urging anyone concerned about viral meningitis to seek medical help.

After-effects can include exhaustion, headaches, memory loss, depression, anxiety and hearing difficulties.

Many sufferers need to take long periods off education or work, and struggle with the day-to-day tasks that most people take for granted.

Viral meningitis cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Rehydration, painkillers and plenty of rest are the best remedy. Most people will make a full recovery.

However, for some recovery can be slow and the after-effects long lasting.

These after-effects can be debilitating and just as likely to affect people’s day-to-day activities as those from bacterial meningitis, turning their emotional and economic lives upside down and affecting their ability to learn, play and work.

It’s vital that everybody understands that viral meningitis can be serious and that those who experience it are not afraid to speak out about it and seek the support they need.

For our Viral Meningitis Week we’re calling on everyone to Be #VocalAboutViral – and help raise awareness by talking about the disease.

If you have been affected by viral meningitis, contact the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email:

helpline@meningitisnow.org Bev Corbett, director of Information

and Support, Meningitis Now