What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers (meninges) around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. It has many causes, in the UK, most cases are due to bacteria or viruses. Some of the bacteria that cause meningitis can also lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning), and both conditions can result in sepsis, which is life-threatening.
Although anyone can get meningitis, it’s most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. It needs to be treated quickly so it is important to know the signs and symptoms which can happen in any order and may not all be present.
Early symptoms – such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches – can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu. But someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours.
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis.
Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.
Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis and septicaemia and are available as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule. To find out more, visit local NHS vaccination information.
