Teenager, 18, almost died from meningitis after 'sharing a vape'

A teenager who was left comatose has said she almost died from meningitis and believes she caught it after sharing a vape and drinks on a night out.

Sian Alderton, 18, caught bacterial meningitis - a rare infection that causes inflammation around the brain - after going out with friends in Norwich, Norfolk.

She initially thought she had a sickness bug when she began to feel ill the following day but was rushed to hospital when her mum noticed red spots on her body.

Ms Alderton was placed in a medically-induced coma for four days as her body battled the infection.

She and her mother Kerrie are now raising awareness of the signs of meningitis after doctors believe she could have caught it from 'sharing drinks, a vape or kissing'.

Ms Alderton went out on October 18 to two clubs with her friends where she said she shared a vape with them.

The doctors treating her explained it might have come from sharing a drink or vape or kissing somebody while she was out but they couldn't pinpoint the cause.

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection and can be fatal within 24 hours.

Her mother Ms Durrant, 36, said: 'Everything happened so quickly when we arrived at the hospital.

'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.

SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS: 

• A high temperature
• Being sick
• A headache
• A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it
• A stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light 

'I want to make people aware that the doctors have to find a source or where the meningitis bacteria started from.

'During tests Sian showed symptoms of sinusitis meaning it could have possibly been contracted through saliva from such things as vaping, kissing or sharing drinks.'

The teenager said: 'I'm not a heavy drinker and prefer the socialising of going out. I had 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.

'I didn't think anything of it because they were my friends.'

Ms Alderton thought she had a sickness bug when she started feeling ill the following day and began vomiting after having a Chinese takeaway in the evening.

However the next day, she was covered in 'red and purple spots'.

Her mother held a glass against the spots but they did not disappear under pressure so the pair raced to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Ms Alderton said: 'The last thing I remember is walking into the hospital entrance.

'I know I was aching and it was hard to move so I sat in a wheelchair but then it gets blurry.'

Her mother explained: 'By lunch time Sian was complaining of a headache and I noticed she was drinking a lot of water.

'I suggested to Sian to move to get more comfortable and this is when Sian said 'I can't move mum, I ache'.

'I pulled back the duvet to help her get into a more comfortable position and that's when I noticed the rash on her legs and stomach.

'They looked like chicken pox or insect bites but the rash was not raised - it felt smooth to the skin and they were red in colour.

'I started to get concerned at this point and I went to get a glass and the rash did not disappear.

'Me and Sian's stepdad decided to take her to A&E ourselves but knowing what I know now I would have called 999.

'During the 20 minute car journey, Sian started holding her head saying 'It hurt really bad' and then started to develop more of a rash on her neck but that was purple.'

Within four hours of arriving at the hospital, Sian was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and placed into a medically-induced coma for four days.

Ms Alderton added: 'When I woke up a few days later I was still pretty out of it but was told I had bacterial meningococcus or meningitis.

'It was one of a very few cases the hospital had ever seen.'

Ms Alderton said: 'It was a really difficult time but my family visiting me every day helped the most.

'My mum came every single day and slept over a few nights so I wasn't alone all the time.'

Ms Alderton spent 14 days altogether in hospital and remarkably passed her driving test less than a week after being discharged.

Her mother added: '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 the charity Meningitis Now, said: 'Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that can strike suddenly and progress rapidly.

'While not everyone exposed to the bacteria becomes ill, 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.'