Meningitis: symptoms, when to get help, and what to do

Following recent reports of meningococcal disease in Kent, including a small number of deaths and people becoming seriously unwell, we have brought together clear NHS advice on symptoms, when to seek help, and what to do.

While these cases are linked to a specific area and the overall risk to the wider public remains low, meningococcal disease can occur anywhere. Knowing the symptoms and when to act is important.

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be very serious if not treated quickly. Although meningitis is rare, it can develop rapidly and recognising the symptoms early can save lives.

We know people across North Yorkshire sometimes tell us they are unsure when symptoms are serious or when to seek help. This guide is here to support you to make those decisions with confidence.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

Viral meningitis is more common and is usually less serious, and many people recover without specific treatment. Bacterial meningitis is less common but can be life threatening and requires urgent treatment in hospital.

Meningitis can also lead to septicaemia, which is blood poisoning caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream. This can make people seriously ill very quickly and requires immediate medical attention.

The illness can progress quickly, sometimes within hours, which is why recognising symptoms early and acting on them is so important.

Symptoms to look out for

The symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. In the early stages, symptoms can be similar to flu, which can make it harder to recognise. 

Common symptoms include:

• A high temperature
• Cold hands and feet, limb pain, pale, mottled or blue skin
• Vomiting
• A severe headache
• A stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Being very sleepy, difficult to wake, or confused
• Seizures (fits)

Some people may also develop a rash. This rash does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, but it is important to know that a rash does not always appear, especially in the early stages. 

Symptoms can change quickly, and someone with meningitis can become seriously unwell in a short period of time.

Symptoms in babies and young children

Symptoms in babies and young children can be different and may be harder to recognise.

These can include:

• A high temperature
• Being floppy, unresponsive or difficult to wake
• A high pitched or unusual cry
• Being irritable and not wanting to be held
• Vomiting
• Refusing feeds
• A bulging soft spot on the top of the head
• A stiff body or jerky movements

Babies may not develop a rash, so it is important to look at the overall pattern of symptoms and behaviour.

If a baby or young child seems seriously unwell, is getting worse, or you feel something is not right, it is important to seek medical help straight away.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in certain groups.

This includes:

• Babies and young children
• Teenagers and young adults
• People with weakened immune systems
• People living in close contact with others

Meningitis can affect people of any age, but these groups are more likely to be affected due to how the infection spreads and how the immune system responds.

Many people can carry the bacteria that cause meningitis in the back of their nose and throat without becoming ill themselves, but they can still pass it on to others.

How meningitis spreads

The bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis can spread through close contact.

This includes:

• Coughing and sneezing
• Kissing
• Sharing drinks, utensils or personal items

Meningitis does not spread as easily as illnesses like colds or flu, but it can spread between people who are in close and prolonged contact.

This is why environments where people live or spend time closely together can increase the risk of transmission.

Vaccination and protection

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against certain types of meningitis.

The NHS offers meningitis vaccines to babies, children and young people at different ages as part of the routine immunisation programme. These vaccines protect against several of the most common types of meningitis, but they do not protect against all types.

Not everyone will have received all meningitis vaccines, particularly some teenagers and adults, depending on their age and when vaccines were introduced.

In some situations, vaccines may also be offered to specific groups who are at higher risk. This is usually as part of a targeted public health response rather than a national rollout.

It is important to make sure vaccinations are up to date where they are offered, as they provide important protection against serious illness.

How common is it?

Meningitis is rare in England, with only a small number of cases each year compared to the overall population.

However, cases can still occur, and symptoms should always be taken seriously. Meningitis can become severe very quickly, so early recognition and action are essential.

Recent reports of cases in parts of England have increased awareness, but the overall risk to the wider public remains low.

If you are worried

It can be difficult to tell the difference between meningitis and more common illnesses, especially in the early stages when symptoms can be similar to flu.

If you are worried about symptoms, feel that someone is getting worse quickly, or think something is not right, it is important to seek medical advice straight away.

Do not wait for symptoms to develop further. Trust your instincts and seek help.