Meningitis: What is this dangerous health condition and what are the common signs and symptoms?

Although it can affect anyone, it is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.

But what causes meningitis and what are the common signs and symptoms?

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, known as meninges.

Meningitis can cause life-threatening blood poisoning, known as septicaemia, and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

What causes meningitis?

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

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:

- sneezing

- coughing

- kissing

- sharing utensils, cutlery and toothbrushes

The NHS explains that “meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves.

“It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.”

Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems.

Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly also make a full recovery, but some may be left with serious long-term problems.

What are the common signs and symptoms of meningitis?

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:

- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above

- being sick

- a headache

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

- a stiff neck

- a dislike of bright lights

- drowsiness or unresponsiveness

- fits (seizures)

The NHS notes that these symptoms can appear in any order and that you do not always get all of the symptoms.

Medical help

According to the NHS, you should get medical advice as soon as possible if you're concerned that you or your child could have meningitis.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E department immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

“Trust your instincts and do not wait until a rash develops,” adds the NHS.

Vaccinations against meningitis

There are various vaccinations which offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis.

These include:

- meningitis B vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks and a booster at 1 year

- 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age

- pneumococcal vaccine – offered to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year old

- Hib/MenC vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year of age

- MMR vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 months

- meningitis ACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time