Meningitis: Symptoms, Vaccines, and What You Need to Know
Meningitis is a serious and fast-moving infection that can affect anyone. While uncommon, it can deteriorate rapidly, making early recognition and action essential.
What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, but bacterial meningitis is the most serious form.
It can become life-threatening within hours.
How Is Meningitis Spread?
Meningitis is transmitted through close personal contact, such as:
- Living in shared accommodation
- Kissing or close physical contact
- Coughing and sneezing in close proximity
Unlike flu or COVID-19, it is not highly contagious, but it can still spread in crowded or close-contact environments.
Importantly, people can carry and transmit the bacteria without showing symptoms.
Symptoms of Meningitis
Symptoms can appear suddenly and not all symptoms are always present.
Common signs include:
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Seizures
The meningitis rash
A rash can indicate blood poisoning (septicaemia) and is a medical emergency.
Key features:
- Small red or purple spots
- Does not fade when pressed (glass test)
- May be harder to see on darker skin (check palms, soles, inside eyelids)
✔ If you suspect this rash, seek urgent medical help immediately
How Serious Is Meningitis?
Meningitis can be devastating.
- Around 1 in 10 people with bacterial meningitis may die
- It can become fatal within 24 hours or less
- Survivors may experience long-term complications
Meningitis Vaccines in the UK
Vaccination is the most effective protection.
Meningitis B (MenB)
- Offered to babies born on or after 1 July 2015
- Many teenagers and young adults may not have received this vaccine
MenACWY Vaccine
- Offered to teenagers aged 13–14 years (school programme)
- Protects against four strains (A, C, W, Y)
- Does NOT cover meningitis B
✔ This creates a gap in protection, particularly in young adults
Why Are We Seeing Cases Now?
Meningitis outbreaks can be unpredictable.
There is often no single clear cause, but factors may include:
- Close living environments (e.g. students, shared housing)
- Low immunity in unvaccinated groups
- Natural fluctuation in infection rates
When Should You Seek Help?
Seek urgent medical attention (call 999 or go to A&E) if:
- You notice a non-blanching rash
- Someone is very drowsy or difficult to wake
- There are seizures or confusion
- Symptoms are rapidly worsening
How OneMedicine Can Help
At OneMedicine, we offer:
✔ Private GP consultations
✔ Rapid assessment of concerning symptoms
✔ Advice on meningitis vaccinations
✔ Same-day appointments where needed
