'I feel lucky to be alive' says miracle mother who survived meningitis FIVE times

You might think catching meningitis and spending a month in hospital is unlucky.

But brave Lauren Widdowson has already contracted the deadly infection five times and she's only 27.

Despite tough times and long periods out of work the stepmum-of-three says she feels lucky to be alive.

Lauren, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, was first diagnosed with meningitis when she was just 19 years old.

Since then, she has fought the deadly infection, which inflames the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, nearly every other year.

"In a way, I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to still be here," she said. "I have had the viral form and not the bacterial form and I am so lucky to have friends and family to support me."

Doctors do not know what is causing the virus, but experts say some forms of the infection can cause recurrent meningitis.

Lauren said: "The hospital is shocked that it keeps happening; they think it may be dormant in my body.

"I know when I am going to get it because I feel tightening around the shoulders and then it goes down my neck and into my eyes. It is a cringing pain with a headache. 

"Overall, I have spent a month in hospital, each time being rushed in by ambulance. 

"The side effects are nothing compared to the pain of it but they have changed my life." 

Lauren, who lives with husband Alex, 45, and his three children says she now struggles with her memory and balance and is sensitive to light.

"I am now really forgetful and clumsy and struggle with my balance," she said.

"My eyes are really sensitive to light and I have to wear sunglasses sometimes even when it is dull outside.

"I also find that my emotions are heightened and I now feel very vulnerable."

But despite the difficulties, Lauren feels she is lucky to have recovered from the life-threatening disease so many times.

"In a way, I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to still be here," she said. 

"I have had the viral form and not the bacterial form and I am so lucky to have friends and family to support me." 

Around 3,200 people in the UK are affected by meningitis and septicaemia every year. One in ten dies and a quarter of survivors are left with life-altering disabilities, ranging from deafness and brain damage to amputations.

"It is unusual for someone who is otherwise fit and healthy to suffer with repeated meningitis infections," said Dr Pradhib Venkatesan, a consultant at Nottingham University Hospitals. 

"It may occur if someone has had a fracture to their skull and there is a break in the bones which would allow bugs in, or there is a condition called Mollaret's meningitis caused by a recurrent viral infection." 

FACT FILE: 

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The infection causes the meninges to become inflamed, which in some cases can damage the nerves and brain.

It can be treated with antibiotics but if left can be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms?

Although anyone can get meningitis, babies and young children are often affected. The signs and symptoms to look out for in your child are:

• A very high fever with cold hands and feet.

• They may feel agitated but not want to be touched.

• They may cry continuously.

• Some children can become very sleepy and it may be difficult to wake them up.

• They may appear confused and unresponsive.

• They may develop a blotchy red rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it.

In older children and adults, the symptoms of meningitis can include:

• Severe headache.

• Vomiting.

• High temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or over.

• Stiff neck.

• Sensitivity to light.

• Rapid breathing.

• A general feeling of being unwell.

• A distinctive skin rash (although not everyone will have this).

What are the differences between viral and bacterial meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is the more dangerous of the two kinds of the illness. Caused by bacteria and spread through close contact, if left untreated it can cause severe brain damage and infect the blood. It should be treated as a medical emergency.

Around 1,265 cases of meningitis were caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria in England and Wales in 2009 and 2010. A vaccine has been approved for use in the NHS but is being delayed as the Government wrangles with the drug company over cost issues.

Viral meningitis is the most common and less serious type of meningitis. It is difficult to estimate the number of cases of viral meningitis because symptoms are often so mild they are mistaken for flu.

Who is at risk?

Bacterial meningitis is most common in children under five years old, and in particular in babies under the age of one. It is also common among teenagers aged 15 to 19 years, but anyone can contract it. 

Viral meningitis is most common in children and more widespread during the summer months. However anyone of any age can contract both types of the disease. 

How is it treated?

Viral meningitis usually gets better within a couple of weeks, with plenty of rest and painkillers for the headache.

Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics. Treatment will require admission to hospital, with severe cases treated in an intensive care unit so the body's vital functions can be supported.

In previous decades people would often die from bacterial meningitis but now deaths are mainly caused by blood poisoning as a result of the infection.

It can also cause lasting damage such as hearing loss. 

The best way to prevent meningitis is by ensuring vaccinations are up to date. Children in the UK should receive the available vaccines as part of the childhood vaccination programme.

What should I do if I think I've got it?

Meningitis can be difficult to diagnose because it comes on suddenly and not everyone experiences all of the symptoms. Some people do not develop the commonly-recognised purple rash so if you think there is any chance you or a member of your family could be infected you should head straight to hospital.

The doctors will then run a series of tests, including a blood test and a lumbar puncture, where a needle is inserted into the spine for a sample of spinal fluid, to confirm diagnosis before they proceed with treatment.