New text system will alert people to meningitis

National charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) has urged people to be on their guard against the diseases this year.

The highest number of cases of the diseases is usually recorded during the winter months, but lives can be saved by knowing the symptoms.

Early recognition and treatment provide the best chances of recovery from these diseases which kill over 300 people every year in the UK and leave thousands of others with disabilities as severe as amputations, deafness and brain damage.

Symptoms can be easily obtained from MRF as a mobile message which can be stored permanently on your phone, giving easy access anytime to potentially life-saving information.

MRF Northern Ireland Manager Diane McConnell said, "Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours. Time is critical when dealing with these diseases. Saving the symptoms to your phone will put life-saving information at your fingertips when you may need it most."

To receive symptoms by SMS, text MRF to 82088. This text will be a standard rate text. MRF will not charge you for the video but data charges from your operator will apply.

Free symptoms information can also be obtained by calling Meningitis Research Foundation’s Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 – or by logging on the website at www.meningitis.org