20 December 2018
A new survey carried out for Meningitis Now revealed that 95% of people aged over 55 do not consider themselves to be at risk from deadly meningitis and septicaemia, despite the fact that cases of the disease increase in older adults.
The study, carried out for Meningitis Now by Populous, also highlights the worrying fact that three-quarters of this group are not confident in recognising the signs and symptoms of the disease.
And most over 55s will not have had the vaccines given to babies, children and young people that protect against some types of meningitis and septicaemia.
Meningitis Now is using the findings as part of a new national awareness campaign – Adults Get It Too – to inform and educate adults of the risks they face and the actions they can take to look after themselves and their loved ones.
Adults Get It Too is calling on adults to learn the signs and symptoms of the disease by ordering free signs and symptoms cards.
The campaign is being supported by Michelle Jackson, who lost her husband Stuart to meningitis just before Christmas 2017.
Stuart, 56, from Warrington in Cheshire, fell ill in early December and appeared to be making progress before taking a turn for the worse.
“My life has changed completely without my husband,” Michelle said. “We only got married in February 2017 although we had been together for ten years – married and widowed in the same year.
“It’s so important that people our age know about this disease and the impact it can have – learn the signs and symptoms to help look after yourself and your loved ones.”
To read more on the campaign visit the Meningitis Now website.