A teaching student has shared her frightening experience with meningitis to help raise awareness of the disease.
A recent outbreak in the student community in Kent has left two people dead and at least 20 confirmed or suspected cases, prompting Kylah Buist to speak out about her own experience from late 2022.
Kylah, 21, from Dalmuir, said her symptoms began suddenly while she was out shopping with her family, when she noticed a strange feeling in her neck.
She said: “It was something that I’d never felt before. I didn’t really know how to describe the pain. It felt like I couldn’t really move my neck and that it was stuck where it was.”
She initially tried to ignore it, but the pain worsened and developed into a severe headache.
She added: “I’ve had headaches my whole life, but this one was totally different. It was like the worst pain I’ve ever felt.”
After taking medication, Kylah went to bed early hoping to sleep it off, but was unable to rest.
She said: “I couldn't get a wink of sleep. I was in the same position the whole night. I couldn't get out of my bed. It was horrible.”
The next morning, her mum phoned the GP, who arranged an emergency appointment.
On the way, Kylah became extremely sensitive to light.
She said: “I was walking around with my hood up, I just couldn't deal with the light whatsoever.”
After hearing her symptoms, the GP sent her straight to hospital, suspecting meningitis.
READ NEXT:
'I'll smash this place up' vows drunk to partner before storming through kitchen
Man, 66, knocked unconscious in unprovoked attack outside Dalmuir pub
'No accountability': Man fears for future of business as funding comes to an end
£10k CCTV victory could help finally catch illegal fly-tippers
'I'm willing to kill you': Man who threatened ex at college later found with knife
Kylah spent six days in hospital receiving antibiotics through an IV before being allowed home, returning frequently for further checks. Doctors also noted inflammation in her ear, which has since led to hearing loss.
She now wears a hearing aid in her left ear.
She is now speaking out to raise awareness, especially following the Kent outbreak.
She said: “It’s a heartbreaking situation, but it shows there isn’t enough awareness. People aren’t aware of what what meningitis is and how it spreads.”
Kylah explained that symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious illnesses.
Common symptoms include a stiff neck, severe headache, fever, vomiting and sensitivity to light, as well as cold hands and feet. A non-fading rash is a key warning sign.
She said: “People might think they have a flu or even a hangover, but things like a stiff neck or sensitivity to light are different. I didn’t even have the rash, so it can present in different ways.”
Following her ordeal, Kylah began volunteering with charity Meningitis Now.
She hopes sharing her story will encourage others to act if symptoms appear.
Kylah said: “It’s a very fast-acting illness. If something doesn’t feel right, you need to act quickly.”
She added: “You know your own body. If something feels off, especially if you’ve got those symptoms, go and get it checked straight away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
Reflecting on her experience, she recommends people to go straight to hospital rather than a GP.
She said: “It just adds more time that you don’t really have.”
Kylah is continuing her studies in primary education and hopes her story will help others recognise the signs and seek help sooner.
Share