![\"Seema](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1_SportsInnovation-2026-Day-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOff the back of a devastating meningitis outbreak in Kent, BBC Sport presenter Seema Jaswal has opened up on how the infection previously left her in a coma and on the brink of death<\/p>\n
11:01, 21 Mar 2026Updated 11:10, 21 Mar 2026<\/p>\n
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Seema Jaswal has spoken about her bout of meningitis as a teen(Image: Bundesliga Collection via Getty)<\/p>\n
Seema Jaswal has spoken about her battle with meningitis at the age of just 16 which left her in a coma, after a recent outbreak of the infection in Kent. The 41-year-old, who presents the BBC’s<\/a> snooker<\/a> coverage, was in her teenage years when she was hit by an aggressive case of meningitis<\/a> B.<\/p>\n As a result, the was left in a coma, while her parents were told to expect the worst. Thankfully, Jaswal was able to make a full recovery, and is now urging people to educate themselves on meningitis while pleading with the government to make vaccinations mandatory.<\/p>\n Speaking with the Daily Mail<\/a>, she said: “It changed my outlook on things. I feel so grateful that I’ve been given a second chance.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Dr Hilary Jones’ urgent ‘always’ meningitis advice that could ‘save a life’<\/a>READ MORE: TOWIE’s Jordan Brook reveals meningitis diagnosis as he shares update from hospital<\/a><\/p>\n “I spent a couple of weeks in hospital and lost a lot of weight. I felt completely drained but being 16 I just wanted to get back to normal life.<\/p>\n “I was so lucky that I was able to do that. If you have Meningitis B, many people come out of it with something that could be long-lasting: a disability, you lose a limb, lose your sight or hearing. That happens to a lot of people.”<\/p>\n Studying for her A-Levels at the time, Jaswal’s first symptom of the infection was a headache, which worsened to the point that her mother, Raziya, called upon a doctor. That medical professional ultimately passed it off as a bout of flu, but as Jaswal became sensitive to light, her mother feared that it was actually meningitis – calling an ambulance.<\/p>\n Jaswal explained: “She called the ambulance. The paramedics came and took me to hospital.<\/p>\n JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page<\/a><\/p>\n “I don’t remember any of this part. I was in a coma for between 24 and 48 hours.<\/p>\n “My parents were told all of the worst things that might be the outcome. I cannot thank my mother enough for acting so quickly.<\/p>\n “The doctor himself said I had the flu. The signs can be very similar at the beginning to a flu.<\/p>\n “When you’re on the go non-stop, you just put it down to that. My mum really trusted her instinct. You’ve got to trust your instinct.<\/p>\n “If something doesn’t feel quite right, even if it’s a degree off a normal cold or flu, you’ve got to run with it and get it checked. That’s my advice.”<\/p>\n What are the symptoms of meningitis<\/p>\n As per the NHS<\/a>, the symptoms of meningitis are:<\/p>\n A high temperature (fever)Being sickA headacheA rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)A stiff neckA dislike of bright lightsDrowsiness or unresponsivenessSeizures (fits)<\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a349<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769642233_249_0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/)
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