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Phone app could save lives
A NEW PHONE app to help spot the symptoms of meningitis has been lauded by a Horsham woman who suffered the deadly disease.
The free iPhone app has been launched by national charity Meningitis Research Foundation and includes vital information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, as well as details of your local A&E.
Zoe Jeanes, 25, of Sycamore Avenue, Horsham, woke up being violently sick on May 18 2005 with a headache, light sensitivity and neck ache.
“I was initially mis-diagnosed by the GP and told it was a migraine,” she said.
“I went home and later woke up with the rash. I was taken to A&E and put on a life support and dialysis machine.
“My family and friends were told to prepare for the worst as I had meningoccocal septicaemia.
“I now class myself as one of the lucky ones as I’m still here, but many haven’t been so lucky.
“The App is such a great idea as it has a symptom checker.
“I would urge anyone with the compatible phone to download it.
“Once you have contracted this disease it’s a race against time and this App really could save a life.”
The app also has the latest news from the foundation and a selection of fundraising challenges, as well as a game challenging them to blast the meningitis bug.
Meningitis and septicaemia are life threatening diseases that can kill in hours, or leave survivors with potentially devastating after effects sometimes as severe as brain damage, amputations and epilepsy.
The diseases can affect anyone of any age, but babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are most at risk.
Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first.
Symptoms can appear in any order, and can include fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like in many mild illnesses.
MRF chief executive Chris Head said: “Knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis is crucial and quick action can save lives.
“This app ensures people have vital life-saving information directly at their fingertips. “The app also includes Bug Blaster game, a virtual battle against bacteria which seeks to combat the lack of knowledge amongst students of the disease. “Students can learn about the diseases and the symptoms whilst also competing against their friends with an interactive game.
“The app is free and we are encouraging every iPhone, iPad and iPod touch user to download it today.”
For more information on the iPhone app please visit: http://www.meningitis.org/iphone or download it from the iTunes store.
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Tuesday 21 May 2013
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