A teenager almost died from an infection following a night out.
Sian Alderton, 18, thinks that she fell ill after sharing drinks or a vape while she was out.
At first, she thought that she had a regular bug that made her feel unwell, but after her mother saw red spots appearing on her body, she rushed her to the hospital.
And while the teen's system fought the health condition, Alderton was put in a medically-induced coma for four days.
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The teenager had caught bacterial meningitis, a rare infection that causes inflammation around the brain, after an outing to two clubs with her mates in Norwich, Norfolk on 18 October.
Reflecting on the events, mum Kerrie Durrant recalled that 'everything happened so quickly' once they were in hospital.
She said: "Sian was put into an induced coma and the doctors and consultants told us Sian was very poorly.
"We would need to prepare for the worst and to say our goodbyes as she may not come out of the coma.
"I want to make people aware that the doctors have to find a source or where the meningitis bacteria started from," she highlighted.
Initial tests showed that the teen had symptoms of sinusitis, indicating that it could have been passed to her through sharing a vape or drink, as well as through saliva while kissing.
The Brit explained that she was 'not a heavy drinker', going out for the social aspect while having 'three or four drinks'.
"I shared my vape with three mutual friends and this is not unusual as everyone shares vapes on a night out," she admitted, saying that she thought nothing of it.
The next day, she thought she'd fallen sick as a Chinese takeaway caused her to start vomiting, but by the following day, the 18-year-old was covered in 'red and purple spots'.
Durrant held a glass against the spots, but as they did not disappear under pressure, as non-serious cases do, they rushed to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Alderton didn't recall much of the trip to the hospital. Her mother said that her daughter couldn't move due to aches, and was complaining of a headache.
"Me and Sian's stepdad decided to take her to A&E ourselves but knowing what I know now I would have called 999," the mum reflected, as a purple rash developed on her neck as well as the spots on her stomach and legs.
It took just four hours at the hospital for Alderton to be diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and placed into a coma, as the teen later revealed that she was 'still pretty out of it' when she woke up days later, highlighting: "It was one of a very few cases the hospital had ever seen."
Doctors couldn't work out the exact cause, but Alderton credited her family with visiting her everyday, especially her mum, who slept over on some nights during her 14-day stay.
The 18-year-old's recovery was quick though, as she passed her driving test less than a week after being discharged.
Durrant sent a message of gratitude to those at the hospital, saying: "Myself and the family would really like to thank the NNUH doctors, consultants, nurses and everyone else involved in Sian's care.
"The staff in A&E, resus, ICU and the Heydon Ward really are amazing."
Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of charity Meningitis Now, explained that meningitis is a 'life-threatening illness' that can 'progress rapidly'.
He pointed out that not everyone with the bacteria falls ill, but added: "Close contacts of someone with meningitis are at higher risk and may require preventive antibiotics.
"Avoiding the sharing of personal items and staying up to date with vaccinations can help reduce the risk of transmission.
"If you suspect meningitis, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives."
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of meningitis include:
- A fever
- Vomiting
- A headache
- A rash that doesn't disappear when a glass is rolled over it (Rashes don't always develop)
- A stiff neck
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Drowsiness/unresponsiveness
- Seizures
Joshua Nair