Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called the meninges.

Most of the time, meningitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The viral kind is the most common and the least serious. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but it can be very serious if it isn't treated quickly.

Bacterial meningitis can lead to septicaemia, which is life-threatening blood poisoning. It can also leave permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Meningitis symptoms come on suddenly. They can include:

• a high temperature (fever) over 38°C (100.4°F)
• being sick
• a headache
• a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop)
• a stiff neck
• a dislike of bright lights
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order, and some may not appear at all.

The meningitis rash usually begins as small, red pinpricks. It then spreads quickly and turns into red or purple blotches. On brown or black skin, the rash can be harder to see.

• you think you or your child have meningitis

Trust your instincts and don't wait until a rash develops.

Talk to a doctor or call the 16263 health line if:

• you or your child have symptoms that could be meningitis, but you're not sure it's anything serious
• you think you've been exposed to someone with meningitis

If you've already had medical advice and you're still worried, or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.

If a doctor suspects meningitis, you will usually need tests in hospital. You may also have to stay in hospital for treatment.

Doctors may carry out several tests to confirm meningitis and to find out whether a viral or bacterial infection is behind it.

These tests may include:

• a physical examination to look for symptoms of meningitis
• blood tests that look for signs of infection and check for bacteria or viruses
• a lumbar puncture, where a sample of fluid is taken from the spine and checked for bacteria or viruses
• a CT scan to check for any problems with the brain, like swelling

Bacterial meningitis can be very serious. Treatment with antibiotics will usually start before the diagnosis is confirmed. The antibiotics are stopped later on if tests show a virus is causing the condition.

Meningitis caused by bacteria usually needs to be treated in hospital. Viral meningitis is different, because it tends to get better on its own and can often be treated at home.

Bacterial meningitis has to be treated in hospital. The condition can cause serious problems, so you need to be watched closely. Severe viral meningitis may also be treated in hospital.

Treatment includes:

• antibiotics given directly into a vein
• fluids given directly into a vein to prevent dehydration
• oxygen through a face mask if there are any breathing difficulties
• steroid medicine to help reduce any swelling around the brain, in some cases

If you have meningitis, you may need to stay in hospital for a few days. In certain cases, treatment may go on for several weeks.

Even after you go home, it may be a while before you feel completely back to normal. If you have any complications, you may need more treatment and further support.

If you or your child have mild meningitis and tests show a viral infection is the cause, you can usually go home from hospital. This type of meningitis normally gets better on its own without causing any serious problems. Most people feel better within 7 to 10 days.

In the meantime, it can help to:

• get plenty of rest
• take painkillers for a headache or general aches
• take anti-emetic (anti-sickness) medicine for any vomiting

Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Several different viruses and bacteria can cause it, including:

• meningococcal bacteria (there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z)
• pneumococcal bacteria
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria
• enteroviruses, which are viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection
• the mumps virus
• the herpes simplex virus, a virus that usually causes cold sores or genital herpes

The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can pass from one person to another in several ways:

• sneezing
• coughing
• kissing
• sharing utensils, cutlery and toothbrushes
• close contact with other people
• sharing vapes

Most often, the infection is spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but aren't ill themselves.

Someone who has meningitis can also pass it on, though this is less common.

You can get meningitis more than once.

The chance of someone with meningitis passing the infection on to others is generally low. Still, if a person is thought to be at high risk, a doctor may give them a single dose of antibiotics as a precaution.

This may include anyone who has been in prolonged close contact with the person who developed meningitis, such as:

• people living in the same house
• pupils sharing a dormitory
• university students sharing a hall of residence
• a boyfriend or girlfriend

People who have had only brief contact with someone who developed meningitis won't usually need to take antibiotics.

Anyone can get meningitis, but it's more common in these groups:

• babies and young children
• teenagers and young adults
• older people
• people with a weak immune system, for example those with HIV and those having chemotherapy

You can lower your risk of meningitis by making sure all your vaccinations are up to date.

Meningitis can be caused by several different infections, so more than one vaccine gives some protection against it. The vaccines include:

• Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine
• Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for young people
• 6-in-1 vaccine
• Pneumococcal vaccine for babies
• MMRV vaccine
• Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine

Most people make a full recovery from meningitis. But it can sometimes cause serious, long-term problems, and it can be life-threatening.

That's why you should get medical help as soon as possible if you think you or your child have symptoms of meningitis. It's also why meningitis vaccinations are offered to certain groups.

Complications are much rarer after viral meningitis.

Some of the most common complications of meningitis are:

• hearing loss, which may be partial or total (people who have had meningitis will usually have a hearing test after a few weeks to check for any problems)
• recurrent seizures (epilepsy)
• problems with memory and concentration
• co-ordination, movement and balance problems
• learning difficulties and behavioural problems
• vision loss, which may be partial or total
• loss of limbs (amputation is sometimes necessary to stop the infection spreading through the body and remove damaged tissue)
• bone and joint problems, like arthritis
• kidney problems

If you or your child have complications of meningitis, you may need additional treatment and long-term support.