Meningitis
What is it?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues that line the brain and spinal cord. There are two main types of meningitis in the UK.
- Viral meningitis is the most common, but it's usually not serious. Some cases are so mild, people aren't even aware they've got it.
- Bacterial meningitis isn't as common, but it is serious - one in 10 cases are fatal, one in seven leaves the survivor with a severe disability. The most common type is meningococcal meningitis, which is divided into five groups: A, B, C, W135 and Y.
What causes meningococcal meningitis?
At least one in 10 people are carrying the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis. It lives naturally in the back of your nose and throat and is harmless to most people. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing and snogging. In a few people, the bacteria overcome the immune system and pass into the blood stream, resulting in meningococcal meningitis.
What are the symptoms?
Initially, the symptoms may seem like flu. They tend to develop quickly and, in adults, can include:
- Vomiting
- Bad headache
- High temperature
- Fever
- Drowsiness
- Cold hands and feet
- Diarrhoea
- Stiff neck
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Feeling disorientated
- Inability to look at bright lights
Who gets it?
In the UK, five people in 100,000 are diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis every year. Anyone can get any form of meningitis, but children under five, young people aged 14-25 and adults over 55 are most at risk.
Diagnosis and treatment
If you suspect meningitis, contact your GP or go to your local A&E department immediately. They will probably take a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. If you have bacterial meningitis, you will be treated with antibiotics, probably given by injection. You may also be kept in hospital to monitor the infection. Early treatment is very important, as it increases your chances of making a full recovery.
If you have viral meningitis, it's unusual to need anything more than rest. Your GP will advise you on what steps to take.
Anyone you've been in close contact with may also need to have antibiotic treatment.
Getting vaccinated
The most common forms of meningococcal meningitis are groups B and C. There is no vaccine for B, as yet, but immunisation against meningitis C is now free for all people aged under 25 in the UK. Since the vaccine's introduction, cases of meningitis C have dropped by 85%. If you haven't been vaccinated yet, make an appointment with your GP.
Related Links
Meningitis Research Foundation
Provides in-depth information about this life-threatening disease.
Tel: 080 8800 3344 (24 hour helpline)
Website: www.meningitis.org
Address: Midland Way, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 2BS
Meningitis Trust
Charity that offers a range of information and supports anyone who is affected by meningitis.
Tel: 0845 6000 800 (24 hour helpline)
Website: www.meningitis-trust.org.uk
Address: Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3TJ
NHS Direct
Read about meningitis in more depth at their site.
Website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Page 1 of 1
