MANY people believe that meningitis is simply a matter of life or death and have no real understanding of the lasting effect it has on individuals and families.
A high proportion of people recovering from meningitis will suffer after-effects and these range from general tiredness and headaches, to memory loss, balance problems, depression, mood swings, deafness, eyesight problems, epilepsy, brain damage and with septicaemia, loss of limbs.
For those who lose the fight to meningitis, it is the families and friends who suffer the pain of bereavement.
The Meningitis Trust has launched its Support for Life campaign to reach out to those affected by this devastating disease. It provides dedicated support, including counselling, home visits and financial grants.
So if meningitis has had a lasting effect on you or someone close to you, call the Meningitis Trust 24-hour helpline on 0845 6000 800.
CHRISTINE HUGHES, Regional Development Officer -- North West, Meningitis Trust.
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