Meningitis Awareness
Topic of the Month for September is Meningitis Awareness. Explore what Meningitis is and how to protect yourself.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation caused by a virus, bacteria or fungi that affects the membrane that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
There are different types of meningitis:
- Viral Meningitis - The most common type of meningitis. It is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis and is particularly common in babies and young children, although anyone can be affected.
- Bacterial meningitis - A less common but potentially life-threatening form of meningitis caused by several types of bacteria. It requires urgent medical treatment.
- Meningococcal disease - A serious bacterial infection caused by meningococcal bacteria. It can cause meningitis, sepsis (sometimes called septicaemia), or both at the same time.
Meningitis can affect anyone, but babies, young children, teenagers and young adults are among those at greater risk.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- High fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle Pain
- Drowsy or difficult to wake up
- Pale, blotchy skin
- Stiff neck
- Dislike to bright lights
- Convulsions or seizures
- Rash that doesn't disappear when rolling a glass on it (doesn't always appear)
How do you catch Meningitis?
Meningitis can be spread through the bacteria or virus in little droplets being sneezed or coughed into the air and breathed in. It can also be spread via sharing a drink, kissing or sharing a vape. This is why it is common amongst young people in large social events or university.
Ensuring you keep up with hygiene cleanliness can prevent the risk of spreading the bacteria or virus.
Handwashing is one of the most important ways to prevent this, ensuring you wash your hands regularly prevents the bacteria spreading.
Avoiding sharing items such as vapes or drinks.
Ensuring you cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you could or sneeze will prevent the spread.
Remember, some people carry the bacteria that causes bacterial meningitis in their nose or throat but do not become ill with it.
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Vaccinations
The NHS have issued a "getting free NHS MenB vaccine" online. Some young adults between the ages of 17 and 25 can be offered a free NHSMenB vaccine.
Find a pharmacy that offers MenB vaccinations for young people - NHS.
Although meningitis is considered rare, it can spread very easily; such as the outbreak in Canterbury back in March 2026. This originated at a nightclub and quickly spread through Canterbury University (University of Kent), with every young person attending the university offered a vaccine.
Ensuring you make yourself aware of the signs and symptoms and getting a vaccine could save lives.
Links
How do you get Meningitis? - Causes of Meningitis | Meningitis Now
Lewis W's Story | Meningitis can kill within hours | Meningitis Now - Please take a moment to read
Meningitis NOW - Helpline:
0808 80 100388
[email protected]