Meningitis: Symptoms, Risks and How to Protect Yourself

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis occurs when the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord (the meninges) become inflamed. It can be caused by different germs including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In the UK, most cases are due to bacterial or viral infections. Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning), which may result in life-threatening sepsis.

Anyone can get meningitis, but it is most common in:

• Babies and young children
• Teenagers
• Young adults
• Prompt treatment is essential.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can appear in any order and may not all be present. Early signs can look like a cold or flu, but people with meningitis usually become seriously unwell within hours.

Symptoms of Meningitis

• Fever
• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Rash
• Confusion or delirium
• Severe sleepiness or loss of consciousness
• Fits

Signs of Sepsis (Blood Poisoning)

Seek urgent help if you notice:

• Fever and shivering
• Severe limb or joint pain
• Very cold hands and feet
• Pale or blotchy skin
• Fast breathing
• Vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach cramps
• A red or purple rash that does not fade under pressure (glass test)

How to Protect Yourself

Protective measures include:

• Knowing the signs and seeking help early
• Ensuring your vaccinations are up to date (e.g., MenB, MenACWY, routine childhood immunisations)

Meningitis B Vaccination

This is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme for all children born after 2015.

Older children can still have the men B vaccination but only on a private basis. There is no 'catch up' programme on the NHS currently.

If you would like to explore this option, contact local private travel/vaccination clinics directly for further advice on availability, suitability & cost.

Further Information

UK Health Security Information on meningitis outbreak

Information on protecting babies and menB vaccine