LONDON, September 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Three quarters of parents aren't confident about diagnosing illness in their own children, according to results of a new survey released today.

Worryingly, nearly half of the parents surveyed aren't aware of the normal body temperature range of babies and toddlers, whilst two thirds don't even know that critical body temperature varies between babies, toddlers and older children.

One of the key indicators of meningitis and other childhood illnesses is a raised temperature, yet more than a third surveyed admit they are not confident about taking their child's temperature.

Furthermore, the survey highlighted that 33% of parents rely on devices to measure temperatures that most health professionals consider to give inaccurate readings, increasing the risk of incorrectly diagnosing illness in their children.

The survey, commissioned by Brother Max, supported by Meningitis Research Foundation, has been released to coincide with this year's Meningitis Awareness Week, 20-26th September 2010.

More than 1,500 UK parents and grandparents completed the survey, which identifies that there is confusion about the correct diagnosis of potentially serious illnesses such as meningitis, especially when it comes to recognising normal body temperature ranges in babies and children.

Dr Hilary Jones, Patron of Meningitis Resarch Foundation and TV medic says, Babies, toddlers and children become poorly all the time and sometimes it is very difficult for any concerned parent to establish just how sick their child really is. Is it merely a mild viral illness or could they be showing the first signs of an ear or chest infection, tonsillitis or even meningitis? The symptoms of meningitis can also vary from baby to child and sometimes appear flu-like, such as vomiting and drowsiness.

With any illness, quick thinking and speedy reaction is key but the survey showed that parents aren't confident, especially when identifying what the normal temperature range for a healthy child should be.

Meningitis Research Foundation and Brother Max are working together to educate parents and grandparents with clear data and key facts which will aid early and accurate diagnosis of meningitis and other childhood illnesses during Meningitis Awareness week.

Media interviews and comment are available from Dr Hilary Jones and Meningitis Research Foundation.

SOURCE: Brother Max

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