Dr Derek Casey, based in Cappoquin, spoke to Damien about meningitis in light of recent deaths that were caused by the disease.

There have been three deaths in Ireland because of meningitis in since the end of September.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain's membrane.

There are many kinds of the disease- bacterial or viral -with bacterial being the most dangerous.

Bacterial meningitis can be fatal and it acts quite fast.

Dr Casey explained how people can get meningitis, stating that some people actually already have it in their airways.

It isn't until it gets into the blood/membranes that it becomes dangerous.

He spoke about vaccination and how that can affect meningitis, as well as touching on the symptoms that people should be looking out for.

Symptoms in babies include refusal to feed, body stiffening, a bulge on top of the baby's head, or unusual movements. If your baby shows this symptoms, take him/her/them to the doctor immediately.

Teenagers and adults have different symptoms. Keep an eye out for cost hands and feet, muscle pains, neck pains, sensitivity to bright lights, and a terrible headache. Go straight to the hospital if you or your child is feeling any of these.

Many meningitis patients report that the headaches they experienced are the worst they've ever had.

To listen to the full conversation, click the link in this podcast.

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