A TEENAGE girl who “would help anyone in need” died just days after Christmas.
Imogen Boswell, 16, lost her life to meningitis on December 28.
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Friends and relatives described her as a “stunningly beautiful” and “vivacious” person who was “always polite and respectful”.
A family member told Manchester Evening News: “We are all still numb with shock and are heartbroken at the loss of our lovely Immy.
“It seems incredibly cruel that meningitis should visit and steal her away like this at just 16.
“A stunningly beautiful girl both inside and out, I am not sure how we will find our way through this darkness.”
Phoebe Moonie added: “You will be endlessly missed, Immy.
“We will never forget how much joy you shared with us all.”
And Stacey Brown posted: “Such sad news. My heart hurts for all her family and friends.
“[A] lovely young lady, always polite and respectful.”
Imogen, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, was a “much-loved” pupil at Reddish Vale High School.
Students have been invited to sign a book of condolence on January 5.
Headteacher Linda Hanson said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”
The teen is survived by her mum Sally, dad Steven, and step mum Seana, it is understood.
A JustGiving page has been set up on behalf of the family to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation.
It reads: “For those who knew Immy, she was a vivacious, loving girl, who lit the room up with her bright personality.
“Even though her life was only short, she made every second count.
“From assembling her own motorbike, getting tattoos and her septum pierced without her mum’s knowledge to escapades with her friends, Immy kept her family on their toes.
“She was the kindest, most caring girl; she would help anyone in need, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
“Rest in peace beautiful girl.”
‘The kindest, most caring girl’
Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
It is most common in babies, young children and teenagers, with around 8,000 cases in the UK every year, but it can affect anyone.
It can be very serious, and sometimes fatal, if not treated quickly.
Meningitis can cause sepsis (life-threatening blood poisoning, sometimes called septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
According to Meningitis Now, the most common early signs in children are:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
- Cold hands and feet
Sufferers may later experience confusion, irritability, convulsions or seizures, a stiff neck, drowsiness, and a dislike for bright lights.
Pale and blotchy skin, spots and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it are also common.
If this occurs, the patient needs urgent medical attention.
A child with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly, so parents should check on them regularly.
If they deteriorate, call 999 immediately.
The best form of protection is vaccination.
Jabs that offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis include:
- MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks and a booster at one year
- 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age
- Pneumococcal vaccine – two doses offered to babies at 12 weeks and one year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over
- Hib/MenC vaccine – offered to babies at one year of age
- MMR vaccine – offered to babies at one year and a second dose at three years and four months
- MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and “fresher” students going to university for the first time
If your child has missed a shot, contact your GP to book an appointment.
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Types of meningitis
MENINGITIS, which is spread through coughing, sneezing and kissing, affected around 8,000 people in the UK every year before Covid.
This number has since decreased, but it remains a “global public health challenge”, according to the World Health Organization.
A 2019 study found there were 2.82million cases internationally in 2016, with 236,000 deaths.
Around 112,000 of these were reportedly in children under five.
While everyone is at risk, it is more common in babies, kids, teenagers, young adults, older people and those with weakened immune systems.
There are two main types – viral and bacterial.
Several different viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, including:
- Meningococcal bacteria – A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z
- Pneumococcal bacteria
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria
- Enteroviruses
- The mumps virus
- The herpes simplex virus
Vaccines are available to protect against many of these infections.
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