Catherine Queen, 40, lost her son Finlay Jay Johnston in 2011 after doctors identified three dots on his stomach when he arrived at Royal Blackburn Hospital.
He was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. He died the following day, aged 19 months.
Finlay Johnston (Image: Catherine Queen)
A recent outbreak of the disease in Kent has seen the number of cases rise to 27, after two students died following an outbreak at a nightclub.
Ms Queen said: “He was there for a couple of hours, and he was gone.
“That is how fast it is; he only had that tiny amount of time.
“He had three little spots, and he didn’t have the rash, which is the last thing to come.
“There needs to be more awareness of the symptoms, and if you suspect anything, even if you feel stupid, it is better to be safe than sorry.”
After Finlay’s death, his mum donated his heart, liver and kidney, which helped save the lives of two babies and a 20-year-old woman.
In 2011, there was no vaccination for MenB, which was later introduced in 2015.
Ms Queen said people needed to get their children vaccinated to protect against the disease, both for themselves and for others in the community who are unable to receive the vaccine.
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She added: “I don’t think it is spoken about enough, and it doesn’t get a lot of awareness and seeing people’s ignorant comments about vaccinations and not vaccinating and things.
“It is selfish not to vaccinate because you are not protecting yourself but others as well, who have complex immune systems and things.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said more people affected by a meningitis outbreak in Kent will get vaccines.
The B strain of meningitis is a comparatively rare illness that can be spread through prolonged close contact, coughing, sneezing and kissing.
However, only a small number of people see the germs overwhelm their body’s immune system to cause meningitis or septicaemia.
Unlike other strains, there is not normally a rash, one of the tell-tale signs of meningitis.
Symptoms of Meningitis B
Symptoms to look out for include:
a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
sudden onset of high fever
severe and worsening headache
stiff neck
vomiting and diarrhoea
joint and muscle pain
dislike of bright lights
very cold hands and feet
seizures
confusion or delirium
extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
If you or someone you know develops these symptoms, seek medical help urgently by going to your nearest A&E or calling 999.
If a friend goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly. Early treatment can be lifesaving.
You can also contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you are concerned, but do not wait – call 999 in an emergency.