Claire Byrne launches meningitis awareness campaign at Boots the Chemists
19 February 2010
Meningitis Research Foundation and Boots are celebrating 10 years of working together.
The official launch of their latest awareness campaign will take place on Thursday, 25th February in Liffey Valley Boots store. We’d love to see you at the Open Day where the children can meet clowns, have their faces painted, and join in colouring competitions. And if you’ve got any questions, we’ll have our expert on hand.
Meningitis Awareness Month will follow during March in every Boots store across the country. Shops will be distributing free life saving brochures and leaflets, along with MRF Marvin pins which will be on sale in-store for €2. All proceeds will go towards medical research, awareness and support of those who have already been affected by the diseases.
Many people believe that meningitis only affects children and teenagers. Whilst young people are more at risk, anyone at any age can contract meningitis and septicaemia. There are vaccines which provide excellent protection against some forms of the disease, but not all. The majority of cases in Ireland are caused by meningitis B, for which there is no current vaccine. In the absence of a vaccine which covers all forms of the disease, awareness is vital. The Charity therefore has organised, in conjunction with Boots, information sessions open to the public in the following stores:
12th March- talk in store in Jervis Shopping Centre between 12-2 p.m.
19th March- talk in store in Pavilions, Swords between 12-2 p.m.
26th March – talk in store in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre between 3-5 p.m.
Leonard McAuliffe, Area Pharmacy Manager of Liffey Valley commented ‘Boots are delighted to work for the 10th time with Meningitis Research Foundation in an effort to raise awareness. We would really encourage customers to avail of the free information in order to learn about recognising the symptoms of this condition as well as supporting the great work of the Foundation’.
Diane McConnell, the Deputy CEO of Meningitis Research Foundation commented ‘We are thrilled to be working with Boots again and hope that joint efforts in raising awareness of meningitis and septicaemia, more lives can be saved’.
For more information on the campaign please call our office on 01 819 69 31.
Symptoms of meningitis:
Fever; vomiting; severe headache; rash (not present in all cases); stiff neck*; dislike of bright lights*; very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious; seizures (fits) may also be seen. (*Unusual in young children.)
Symptoms of septicaemia (blood poisoning form of the disease):
Fever; vomiting; limb/joint/muscle pain (sometimes stomach pain/diarrhoea); pale or mottled skin; cold hands and feet; shivering; breathing fast/breathless; rash (anywhere on the body); very sleepy/vacant/difficult to wake; confused/delirious.
Other symptoms in babies include: tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot); refusing to feed; being irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning cry; a stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless.