Man Flu Or Meningitis? Don't Leave It Too Late To Find Out

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 14 Jun 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Men are notoriously reluctant to take their health seriously and are much less likely than women to consult their doctor. With National Men's Health Week fast approaching (June 15 - 21), the Meningitis Trust is encouraging men to learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to be aware of its range of free support services available to them.

This year, National Men's Health week's main objective is to improve men's awareness of the range of health-related services in the UK and how to use them effectively.

The Meningitis Trust is urging men to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and for those men who have been affected by the disease to access its professional services, which range from a freephone 24-hour nurse led helpline, professional counselling to financial support grants.

One in ten men admit to avoiding seeking help from a health professional because they are scared it might end in a hospital visit. An additional ten per cent would rather stick their head in the sand to avoid the embarrassment of discussing their health issues with a doctor.*

There is no room for complacency with regards to meningitis as the symptoms are so similar to flu - even a hangover!

Robin Hinks, knows how important it is to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis. He was in a coma for 16 days and in hospital for over 5½ months in total. The brutality of the disease meant Robin suffered severe brain damage and as a result lost part of his short-term memory and all of his long-term memory. The extent of the memory loss meant he couldn't recognise his kids.

"I started rehab with severe memory issues but now my memory abilities have improved so significantly that they are just below average. I had amazing support from the Trust; they provided me with a financial grant for a SatNav and I had fantastic help and guidance from the local counsellor. I would urge anyone suffering from the impact of meningitis to get help from the Trust as they really helped me to look forward to the future - things do improve over time".

Although men are known to be just as likely as women to contract meningitis, figures from the Meningitis Trust show that they are much less likely than women to take up the support services available to them. Men currently account for just 15 per cent of all those accessing the Trust's 24-hour Freephone nurse-led helpline and counselling service.

The Meningitis Trust's Education and Services Director, Bridie Taylor, says; "The stiff upper lip dies hard among British males. When faced with bereavement or the disabling after-effects of meningitis, women will instinctively seek counselling and support. Men, on the other hand, can find themselves isolated and unable to share their emotions, they may try and cope alone with depression, anger and bewilderment."

Signs and symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Confusion
- Aching joints and muscles

The symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. If meningitis has had a lasting effect on you or someone close to you, or if you would like information on signs and symptoms, the Meningitis Trust is here to help. You can call the 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 1828.

*Ciao surveyed 905 UK adult men from May 2 - 15, 2007

About the Meningitis Trust

As many as 500,000 people living in the UK today have had either viral or bacterial meningitis. And up to 10 million adults in the UK - one adult in every four - knows of someone who has had the disease. The Meningitis Trust, a registered charity, helps and supports everyone struggling to cope with the impact of meningitis through the following professional free services:

" a freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline - 0800 028 18 28 " counselling " home visiting " art therapy " financial grants to fund special equipment; respite care; therapeutic activities; special training; travel and accommodation costs.

The Meningitis Trust is the UK's longest established meningitis charity and is completely reliant on voluntary donations to continue its work.

About meningitis

Meningitis is life-threatening and affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis and associated septicaemia (blood poisoning) can kill within hours and can affect anyone at any time. Those most at risk are children under the age of five, teenagers and young adults, and people over 55.

Symptoms commonly include fever with cold hands and feet, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, joint or muscle pain, drowsiness, confusion, and, in babies, a dislike of being handled, pale blotchy skin, an unusual cry and a blank staring expression. Both adults and children may also have a rash that doesn't fade under pressure (a sign of septicaemia). Symptoms may appear in any order and some may not appear at all.

Source
Meningitis Trust