Question

How is much work time lost in suffering from bacterial meningitis?

Answer 1

Bacterial Meningitis is a potentially deadly disease which involves the infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. The most common form of bacterial meningitis is the meningococcal strain.

The early Signs and symptoms of meningitis include High temperature (over 37.5C), Headache, Vomiting, Severe muscle pain or a stiff neck, Cold hands and feet, Drowsiness and difficulty waking, Sensitivity to bright lights, Skin rash, which does not fade when pressed with the side of a glass (not always present), Irritability and confusion, Convulsions or seizures.

Some problems may linger even after the treatment which may have an impact on a person’s ability to return to work. The after effects of meningitis include serious complications such as deafness, blindness or brain damage, septicaemia, which can cause scarring, loss of fingers, toes or limbs, or organ damage, less debilitating but significant effects including memory loss, dizziness, aggressive behaviour, stiff joints and anxiety or depression.

The germs that cause viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are passed from person to person by coughing and sneezing. They could spread through poor hand hygiene. However, meningitis may not be directly transmitted from one person to another.

Thus, all the above mentioned issues make it difficult for the patient to recover fully to able to work efficiently. Hence, the work time may be reduced.