Meningitis Alert: Protect Yourself & Kids

0:00On March 31st, public health officials in Northern Ireland are warning students heading home from uni to watch for meningitis symptoms and stay on top of their vaccines. This comes after an outbreak in Canaberry, Kent, with 20 confirmed cases in the tragic deaths of two young people. The UK Health Security Agency confirmed those numbers, and now Northern Ireland's public health agency is stressing the men ACWY shot, which teens get. In secondary school to guard against four strains and related blood poisoning, meningitis hits the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, striking kids and teens hardest. Bacterial versions can turn deadly fast, causing brain damage, amputations, hearing loss, or worse, often mimicking fluid first, but hitting way, harder. Doctors say be extra alert in winter, but it can pop up anytime. Early signs include fever, vomiting, stiff neck, headache, drowsiness, light sensitivity, or rash that doesn't fade under glass pressure. For the rash though, hit up medical help ASAP if anything feels off.

1:04Vaccines are your best defense, men ACWY for young folks, and men be for babies at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and one year. Stay vigilant, get checked, and keep that immune system locked in.