What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone but is more common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

• a high temperature (fever)

• being sick

• a headache

• a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)

• a stiff neck

• a dislike of bright lights

• drowsiness or unresponsiveness

• seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.

What causes meningitis?

It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

How does meningitis spread?

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through coughing, sneezing or kissing. It is usually caught from those who carry the viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, or from someone with meningitis, though this is less common.

How serious is meningitis?

If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to sepsis, brain or nerve damage, hearing loss or even death. Some with bacterial meningitis can be left with hearing or vision loss, problems with memory, fits or loss of limbs, even after being treated.

Can meningitis be treated?

Those with viral meningitis will usually get better on their own. Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery. However, it usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week. Treatments include antibiotics and fluids given directly into a vein or oxygen through a face mask.

Are there vaccines for meningitis?

If you have not already had the MenACWY vaccination you should arrange to have it as soon as possible. It is free to students who are under 25 and is the best protection you can have against meningitis. To access the vaccine, speak to your GP or register with the Preston Campus Medical Centre.  

What should you do if you think you have meningitis?

If you are concerned that you might have meningitis you should call your GP or NHS 111 straight away. If it is meningitis, it is important to get treatment quickly. The NHS recommends that people call 999 for an ambulance or go to their nearest A&E.

People are advised to trust their instincts, as someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

More information on meningitis can be found on the NHS website.