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)
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• very cold hands and feet
• confusion/delirium
• extreme sleepiness/difficulty walking

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

Some of the bacteria that cause meningitis can also lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning), and both conditions can result in sepsis, which is life-threatening.

Therefore, it’s important to also be aware of how to recognise septicaemia as well as meningitis. 

How do you recognise septicaemia?

The most important signs of septicaemia to look out for are:

• fever and shivering
• severe pains and aches in limbs and joints
• vomiting
• very cold hands and feet
• pale or blotchy skin
• rapid breathing
• diarrhoea and stomach cramps
• red or purple ‘bruised’ or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check inside the eyelids or roof of the mouth where the spots may be more visible
• difficulty walking or standing
• severe sleepiness, losing consciousness

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?

Meningitis bacteria are transmitted through saliva and respiratory droplets. 

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.

Sharing vapes, cigarettes, food, and drinks or kissing are common ways these bacteria are passed on.

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.  

The MenACWY vaccine does not protect against all types of meningitis. The NHS only offers babies and those with specific underlying medical conditions the MenB vaccine. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs and symptoms and when to sound the alarm if you suspect meningitis. 

What should you do if you think you or a friend 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.  If a friend goes to bed unwell, you check on them regularly and don't hesitate to seek medical help if they have these symptoms or you’re concerned about them. 

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.