Having suffered an ectopic pregnancy, a breast cancer scare and meningitis, Suzi Perry, 50, has been through the mill. What are the symptoms of a viral infection, such as meningitis?Back in 2012, Suzi said: “It’s just been one thing after another. First, I found a lump in my breast, which was scary. “Fortunately, [it] turned out to be nothing. Then came the ectopic pregnancy. And then a couple of months after that I developed a banging headache,” she added.
Symptoms of meningitis
Symptoms of meningitis can include:
- A fever, cold hand and feet
- Vomiting
- Drowsy, difficult to wake
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- Pale, blotchy skin (rash or spots)
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike bright lights
“Do not wait for a rash,” urged the charity. “If an adult is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately.”
The symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order, and some signs of the infection may not occur at all.
There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, but people with the infection need to stay hydrated and lots of rest.
There are different bacteria that can cause meningitis, such as:
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcal
- TB
- Group B streptococcal and E.coli
The side effects of bacterial meningitis can include acquired brain injury, hearing loss, sight problems and emotional changes.
Some bacteria that can cause meningitis can also cause sepsis (i.e. blood poisoning).
This is when the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own tissues and organs.