Top 11 -What is meningitis? Symptoms, risks and how to protect yourself – UK Health Security Agency | uxa2.com

Meningitis is a serious condition in which the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord (meninges) become inflamed.

It has many causes, such as various germs, 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 lead to septicemia (blood poisoning), and both conditions can lead to sepsis, which is life-threatening.

Although anyone can get meningitis, it is most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It needs to be treated quickly, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms, which can happen in any order and may not be everywhere.

What is the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. It is often accompanied by life-threatening sepsis and can lead to permanent brain or nerve damage. About one in ten cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal, and some cases have long-term health problems. However, most people with bacterial meningitis who receive prompt treatment make a full recovery.

Viral meningitis is usually less severe and usually heals on its own in 7-10 days, rarely causing 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 responsible.

What are the symptoms of meningitis?

Early symptoms—such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle aches, cold hands and feet, and headache—can look similar to common illnesses like a cold or flu. But someone with meningitis or septicemia usually becomes seriously ill within hours. That is why it is very important to monitor all sick people.

Symptoms can occur in any order, and some may not occur at all. Common signs and symptoms of meningitis include:

• fever
• very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to seek medical help)
• vomiting
• stiff neck
• does not like bright lights
• rash
• confusion, delirium
• severe drowsiness, loss of consciousness
• fits

How do you recognize septicemia?

It is important to be aware of the recognition of septicemia and meningitis. The main signs to look out for are:

• fever and chills
• severe aches and pains in the limbs and joints
• vomiting
• very cold hands and feet
• pale or scaly skin
• rapid breathing
• diarrhea and stomach cramps
• a red or purple “bruised” or blotchy rash on the skin that doesn’t fade with pressure – do a glass test. On dark skin, check the inside of the eyelids or the roof of the mouth, where spots may be more visible
• difficulty walking or standing
• severe drowsiness, loss of consciousness

The NHS (Meningitis – Symptoms – NHS) and meningitis charities have very good information about signs and symptoms (see Meningitis – Symptoms, causes and treatments | Meningitis now or Meningitis symptoms | Meningitis Research Foundation).

How does meningitis affect babies?

Symptoms and signs of meningitis and septicemia in babies may include:

• refusal to feed, vomiting
• drowsiness that does not respond to you or is difficult to wake up
• is floppy and lacks energy or stiff with jerky movements
• irritability when lifting
• a loud moaning cry
• growl
• rapid or unusual breathing patterns
• fever (high temperature)
• cold hands and/or feet
• skin that is pale, mottled, or turning blue
• tremor
• spots or rashes that do not fade with pressure

You can find more information about infant meningitis and the MenB vaccine 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 septicemia. DO NOT wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical attention.

The rash often starts as a few small, discrete spots and typically develops into a non-whitening rash (that does not go away with pressure). It is important to notice this in time, because a rapidly developing rash indicates a very serious illness.

The rash may be harder to see on darker skin, but may appear on lighter areas such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, abdomen, or the roof of the eyelids or mouth. Check the whole body, especially the places where clothes cause pressure (underpants, diapers, socks).

Read more about meningitis on the website of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

When should I seek medical help?

Call 999 immediately or go to the nearest A&E if you think you or someone you are caring for may have meningitis, septicemia or sepsis. Trust your instincts and don’t wait for all the symptoms or the rash to develop. People with meningitis, septicemia or sepsis can get seriously worse very quickly.

Call NHS 111 if you are not sure if it is serious.

If you have already received a doctor’s advice, but you are still worried or the symptoms are getting worse, see a doctor again.

Is meningitis also known as the “fresh flu”?

No, meningitis and the flu are very different things. Although the signs and symptoms may be quite similar at first, people with meningitis are likely to get worse very quickly.

A fresher’s flu may not be a flu at all. It’s a collection of common cold viruses that spread quickly when students arrive at college. While the common cold is unpleasant, it is rarely serious. Sometimes it can be a real flu and needs a few days in bed.

Make sure you, your family and friends look after each other and that someone knows if you’re unwell so they can keep an eye on you. This can be a lifesaver.

How is meningitis spread?

Meningitis is spread in the same way as a cold – through close or prolonged contact with an infected person who may not show signs of infection themselves. Most cases occur in individuals, but outbreaks sometimes occur in schools or places where people share living spaces, such as university halls.

Can meningitis be prevented?

Several free NHS vaccines can help protect against certain causes of meningitis and septicemia:

• MenB vaccine: For babies given at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year of age
• 6-in-1 vaccine: for babies aged 8, 12 and 16 weeks
• Pneumococcal vaccine: Two doses for infants at 16 weeks and 1 year of age; single dose for adults over 65 years of age
• Hib/MenC vaccine: for infants given 1 year of age (if born on or before 30 June 2024)
• MMR vaccine: For infants given at 1 year of age, second dose at 18 months of age
• MenACWY vaccine: For adolescents aged 13–14 years

What should I do if I have forgotten my meningitis vaccine?

To get the best benefit, it is important that you or your child get the vaccine as soon as they are offered or as close to that time as possible. Young children who have missed one or more doses of the MenB vaccine can receive this for free before their second birthday and missed doses of the MMR vaccine can be given at any age.

Teens can catch up on vaccines they missed. This is especially important before starting university or college. If that is not possible, they should make arrangements with the new GP as soon as possible after the start of the semester. All GPs should be able to offer free missed MenACWYs to students under 25 and MMR vaccines to eligible students. International students in the same age group are also eligible for these routine vaccines.

How is meningitis treated?

People with suspected meningitis usually undergo tests at the hospital to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is viral or bacterial.

Bacterial meningitis typically requires hospitalization for at least a week, including:

• antibiotics are given directly into a vein
• fluids given directly into a vein
• oxygen through a face mask

Viral meningitis often does not require hospital treatment and will heal on its own in 7-10 days. Treatment focuses on rest, painkillers and anti-nausea drugs to relieve symptoms.

What is the long term outlook?

Viral meningitis usually heals completely without long-term problems.

Although most people with bacterial meningitis and septicemia who receive prompt treatment make a full recovery, some experience serious long-term complications, such as:

• loss of hearing or vision (partial or complete)
• memory and concentration problems
• recurrent seizures (epilepsy)
• coordination, movement and balance problems
• loss of fingers or limbs (amputation is sometimes necessary)

Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of recovery.