Meningitis Signs and Symptoms App Aims to Save

The Meningitis Trust is a UK-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by meningitis. One of their signature initiatives is the "signs and symptoms" card, a handout detailing indicators of meningitis. Now, the Trust has released an iPhone app in a similar vein, one that hopes to make a very real difference in the lives of many.

Why are signs and symptoms important? As the Meningitis Trust will quickly tell you, "knowing the signs and symptoms of the disease and what you should do if you suspect it, CAN and DOES save lives. Meningitis can kill within four hours so fast action is essential." In other words: sooner is far better than the later, so the more you know meningitis, the more likely you are to react in a timely and appropriate manner.

The app contains a solid database of important information: typical symptoms in babies, toddlers, children, and adults; advice for what to do if you think you have the disease; a quiz for testing your knowledge; and information on meningitis resources. And in keeping with its altruistic goals, it's free, so if you're curious about any aspect of meningitis it's probably worth checking out. It's an impressive educational offering. Just keep in mind that this isn't a diagnostic tool -- if you're in doubt, paying your doctor a visit is probably a better choice than relying solely on a single app.

You can download Meningitis Signs and Symptoms in the App Store.

Meningitis Trust iPhone app LIVE from Meningitis Trust on Vimeo.