The Best in Science News and Amazing Breakthroughs
While this frightening statistic makes headlines, less well understood is what happens to those who survive this highly contagious infectious disease. Much of the existing research on bacterial meningitis tends to follow a similar pattern, focused on the acute phase when people are hospitalised and receiving treatment.
While this makes sense, it also bolsters the idea that bacterial meningitis is a short-term illness that is effectively dealt with by the time patients leave hospital.suggests a majority of patients experience ongoing and life-altering physical, psychological and social impacts well beyond the acute treatment phase.with people who survived bacterial meningitis is the first of its kind conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand., we collated exploratory survey responses from 16 adult participants, followed by in-depth interviews with ten of these people. This allowed us to build a nuanced, personalised picture of what life after meningitis is actually like. Our findings show significant and long-lasting impacts of infection.Participants emphasised that bacterial meningitis was a long-term illness with far-reaching impacts. Far from being"cured" at hospital discharge, participants described experiencing multiple chronic after-effects, including fatigue, difficulties with concentration, memory and emotional regulation, persistent headaches, and issues with mobility, vision and hearing.Ongoing symptoms had major implications for how participants were able to live their lives. They affected their ability to work and support themselves, to study and to maintain relationships with others. In turn, this had serious downstream effects on mental health. Participants linked their experiences to anxiety,Lack of guidance and support In the context of these life-changing impacts, participants described an absence of accurate and useful medical advice about after-effects and recovery trajectories. This information vacuum made the adjustment to living with lasting impacts especially difficult to understand and cope with. Interviewees described feeling abandoned and did not know whether and where they could access help. Those we interviewed were not offered mental health follow-up despite having faced a life-threatening medical diagnosis – aMany described leaving hospital in shock, with no accident compensation cover and no ongoing primary care plan or specialist referral in place. One participant explained her experience like this: When I was eventually discharged, there was no support. There was no brochure to tell me that I could go and talk to someone or a list of potential after-effects. Reflecting the focus on acute care, participants were typically treated by healthcare providers as if they were recovered and would be ready to resume their normal activities soon.This proved to be alarmingly inaccurate advice. Most of those we spoke to experienced after-effects that affected their ability to work, study and socialise for months or years. Without access to formalised aftercare, close family and friends filled the gaps. Many participants described being discharged from hospital while unable to feed themselves, and unable to move unassisted. In these situations, support from loved ones was vital. Our findings demonstrate that bacterial meningitis is much more than a life-threatening infection. It is an acute disease with serious, chronic after-effects which are poorly understood and often go unrecognised.Alongside efforts to raise vaccination rates and improve symptom recognition, we need to do better by those living with the impacts of this cruel disease. Our recommendations highlight that patients and families need realistic information and responsive support to help them adjust to life after bacterial meningitis.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Five questions that need answering about the meningitis outbreakThe size and speed of the outbreak which has now affected 29 people, killing two of them, has been labelled 'unprecedented'.
Read more »
Cesar Chavez allegations highlight why sexual assault survivors often stay silentAdvocates and experts say fear of disbelief, public scrutiny and blame can discourage disclosure, particularly when the accused holds power or public reverence.
Read more »
TSA Officers Face Paycheck Woes Amidst Government ShutdownTens of thousands of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and other personnel are grappling with missed paychecks due to the government shutdown, leading to longer airport wait times, resignations, and diminished morale. The situation has been compounded by historically high attrition rates and low employee morale within the agency.
Read more »
U.K.’s deadly meningitis outbreak shows importance of vaccinationInfectious disease experts say shots against meningococcal meningitis can be lifesaving during an outbreak, but U.S. regulators have attempted to roll back recommendations of such a vaccine for children
Read more »
UNC Wilmington Seahawks Face Dayton Flyers in NIT Second RoundThe UNC Wilmington Seahawks host the Dayton Flyers in the second round of the NIT. The analysis suggests a low-scoring game, favoring Dayton's strong defense and the potential for Dayton to cover a small spread. Player props for steals and three-pointers are also suggested.
Read more »
Another college sees suspected meningitis case amid Kent outbreakThe UKHSA says it is offering antibiotics to close contacts of the person.
Read more »