Meningitis is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the protective layer (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord.
There are many causes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In the UK, most cases are caused by bacteria or viruses. Some of the bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause sepsis (blood poisoning), both of which can lead to life-threatening sepsis.
Anyone can get meningitis, but it most commonly occurs in infants, toddlers, and young adults. Because they need to be treated quickly, it is important to know the signs and symptoms, which can occur in any order and may not appear in all of them.
What is the difference between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is less common but more serious than viral meningitis. This is often accompanied by life-threatening sepsis and can cause permanent damage to the brain or nerves. About 1 in 10 cases of bacterial meningitis are fatal, and some cases cause long-term health problems. However, most people with bacterial meningitis who receive prompt treatment make a full recovery.
Viral meningitis is generally less serious and usually gets better on its own within 7 to 10 days and rarely causes long-term problems. Mumps was the most common cause of viral meningitis before the introduction of the MMR vaccine. Now, several other viruses may be the cause.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Initial symptoms, including vomiting, fever, aches, muscle aches, cold hands and feet, and headaches, may seem similar to common illnesses such as a cold or flu. However, people with meningitis or sepsis usually become seriously ill within a few hours. That’s why it’s important to keep checking in on people who are unwell.
Symptoms may appear in any order, and some may not occur at all. For meningitis, common signs and symptoms include:
- having fever
- Very severe headache (this alone is not a reason to seek medical help)
- puke
- stiff neck
- dislikes bright light
- rash
- confusion, delirium
- Severe drowsiness, loss of consciousness
- That’s right
How do you recognize sepsis?
It is important to know how to distinguish between sepsis and meningitis. The most important signs to look out for are:
- fever and shivering
- Severe aches and pains in the limbs and joints
- puke
- My hands and feet are so cold
- pale or blotchy skin
- rapid breathing
- Diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Red or purple ‘bruises’ or blotchy rash on the skin that does not go away when you apply pressure – do the following: glass test. If you have dark skin, check the inside of your eyelids or the roof of your mouth, where spots may be more visible.
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Severe drowsiness, loss of consciousness
NHS(Meningitis – Symptoms – NHS) and the Meningitis charity have very good information on signs and symptoms (see: Meningitis – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | Current Meningitis or Symptoms of Meningitis | Meningitis Research Foundation).
How does meningitis affect my baby?
Symptoms and signs of meningitis and sepsis in babies include:
- Refusal to feed, vomiting
- They feel drowsy and do not respond to words or have difficulty waking them up.
- Feeling lethargic, lethargic, or stiff with sudden movements.
- I get annoyed when I pick it up.
- high moan
- grumbling sound
- Fast or abnormal breathing patterns
- fever (high fever)
- cold hands and/or feet
- skin that turns pale, blotchy, or blue
- trembling
- Spots or rash that do not go away when pressure is applied
find out More information about meningitis in babies and the MenB vaccine can be found here..
What does a meningitis rash look like?
Although the meningitis rash is not always present and can vary greatly in appearance, it is one of the most recognizable signs of meningococcal meningitis and sepsis. Do not wait until a rash appears before seeking medical advice.
The rash often starts as a few small, isolated spots and develops into a rash that usually does not turn white (a rash that does not go away when you press on it). A rapidly progressing rash indicates a very serious illness, so early detection is important.
The rash is less visible on darker skin, but may appear on paler areas such as the soles of the feet, palms, abdomen, inside the eyelids, or palate. Check your entire body, especially areas where clothing puts pressure (stretchy underwear, diapers, stockings).
Learn more about: Meningitis Rash on the Meningitis Research Foundation website.
When should you get medical help?
If you think you or someone receiving your care may have meningitis, sepsis or blood poisoning, call 999 or visit your nearest A&E immediately. Trust your intuition and don’t wait until all the symptoms appear or a rash appears. People with meningitis, sepsis, or septicemia can become seriously unwell very quickly.
If you’re not sure if it’s serious, call NHS 111.
If you have already received medical advice but are still concerned or your symptoms are worsening, seek medical help again.
Is meningitis also known as the ‘fresh flu’?
No, meningitis and freshman flu are very different. Although the signs and symptoms may be quite similar at first, people with meningitis are likely to become much more uncomfortable very quickly.
Precious flu may not be a flu at all. It is a collection of common cold viruses that spread rapidly when students enter college. Although freshman flu is unpleasant, it is rarely serious. Sometimes it can be a real flu and you may need to stay in bed for a few days.
Make sure you and your family and friends look after each other and make sure others know if you are unwell and can keep an eye on you. This can save lives.
How is meningitis spread?
Meningitis spreads in a similar way to the common cold. That is, it spreads through close or prolonged contact with an infected person who does not show any signs of infection. Although it mostly occurs in individuals, it can also occur in places where people share living spaces, such as schools or university lecture halls.
Can meningitis be prevented?
Several vaccines are available free from the NHS and can help prevent certain causes of meningitis and sepsis.
- MenB vaccine: for babies given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 1 year of age.
- 6-in-1 vaccine: for babies given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks
- Pneumococcal vaccine: Babies are given 2 doses at 16 weeks and 1 year of age. One dose for adults over 65 years of age
- Hib/MenC vaccine: for babies given at 1 year of age (if born on or before June 30, 2024)
- MMR vaccine: for babies, given at 1 year of age and second dose at 18 months.
- MenACWY vaccine: For adolescents 13 to 14 years of age.
What should I do if I miss my meningitis vaccine?
To get the maximum benefit, it is important to get the vaccine when you or your child is vaccinated, or as close to the vaccine as possible. Children who have missed one or more doses of the MenB vaccine can receive the vaccine for free before their second birthday, and children who have missed the MMR vaccine can receive the vaccine at any age.
Teens can prepare for missed vaccinations. This is especially important before starting university or college. If this is not possible, you should consult with your new GP as soon as possible after the start of the semester. All GP practices should be able to offer MenACWY free of charge to students under 25 years of age and the MMR vaccine to eligible students. International students of the same age group can also receive these routine vaccinations.
How is meningitis treated?
People suspected of having meningitis usually undergo testing at a hospital to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is viral or bacterial.
Bacterial meningitis usually requires hospital treatment for at least a week, including:
- Antibiotics administered directly into a vein
- Fluids administered directly into a vein
- oxygen through face mask
Viral meningitis often does not require hospital treatment and tends to get better on its own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment focuses on rest, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve symptoms.
What are the long-term prospects?
Viral meningitis usually resolves completely without long-term problems.
Most people with bacterial meningitis and sepsis make a full recovery if they receive immediate treatment, but some experience serious long-term complications, including:
- Hearing loss or vision loss (partial or total)
- Memory and concentration problems
- Recurrent seizures (epilepsy)
- Coordination, movement and balance problems
- Loss of fingers or limbs (sometimes requiring amputation)
Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improve your chances of recovery.
