Meningitis

Meningitis | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Infections and poisoning Meningitis Meningitis About meningitis Causes of meningitis Treating meningitis Complications of meningitis Preventing meningitis About meningitis Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis. Symptoms of meningitis Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: a high temperature (fever) over 37.5C (99.5F) being sick a headache a blotchy rash that doesnt fade when a glass is rolled over it (this wont 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. When to get medical help You should get medical advice as soon as possible if youre concerned that you or your child could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and dont wait until a rash develops. Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill. Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if youre not sure if its anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis. How meningitis is spread Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing coughing kissing sharing utensils, cutlery and toothbrushes Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but arent ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common. Read more about the causes of meningitis Vaccinations against meningitis Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis. These include the: meningitis B vaccine  offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks, and a booster at 1 year 6-in-1 vaccine  offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age pneumococcal vaccine  offered to babies at 12 weeks and between 12 and 13 months old meningitis C vaccine  offered at 12 weeks of age, 1 year MMR vaccine  offered to babies at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 months meningitis ACWY vaccine  offered to teenagers who are in S3 (around 14 years of age) at school. Young people who are in S4-S6 and missed the opportunity to get immunised last year, may also get the vaccine at school this year Read more about the meningitis vaccinations Treatments for meningitis People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week. Treatments include: antibiotics given directly into a vein fluids given directly into a vein oxygen through a face mask Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within 7 to 10 days and can often be treated at home. Getting plenty of rest and taking painkillers and anti-sickness medication can help relieve the symptoms in the meantime. Read more about how meningitis is treated Outlook for meningitis Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems. Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious, long-term problems. These can include: hearing loss or vision loss, which may be partial or total problems with memory and concentration recurrent seizures (epilepsy) co-ordination, movement and balance problems loss of limbs  amputation of affected limbs is sometimes necessary Overall, its estimated that up to 1 in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal. Read more about the complications of meningitis Causes of meningitis Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type. Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be very serious if not treated. Severaldifferent viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, including: meningococcal bacteriathere are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z pneumococcal bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria enteroviruses 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 A number of meningitis vaccinations provide protectionagainst many of the infections that cancause meningitis. How meningitis is spread The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing coughing kissing sharing utensils, cutlery and toothbrushes The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but arent ill themselves. The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common. Its possible to get meningitis more than once. Whos most at risk? Anyone can potentially get meningitis, but its more common in: babies and young children teenagers and young adults elderly people people with a weak immune system for example, those with HIV and those having chemotherapy You can reduce therisk of getting meningitis by ensuring all your vaccinations are up-to-date. Read more about meningitis vaccinations Treating meningitis People with suspected meningitis will usually need to have tests in hospital and may need to stay in hospital for treatment. Tests in hospital Several tests may be carried out to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection. These tests may include: a physical examination to look for symptoms of meningitis a blood test to 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 computerised tomography (CT) scan to check for any problems with the brain, such as swelling As bacterial meningitis can be very serious, treatment with antibiotics will usually start before the diagnosis is confirmed and will be stopped later on if tests show the condition is being caused by a virus. Treatment in hospital Treatment in hospital is recommended in all cases of bacterial meningitis, as the condition can cause serious problems and requires close monitoring. Severe viral meningitis may also be treated in hospital. Treatments include: 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 medication to help reduce any swelling around the brain, in some cases People with meningitis may need to stay in hospital for a few days, and in certain cases, treatment may be needed for several weeks. Even after going home, it may be a while before you feel completely back to normal. Additional treatment and long-term support may also be required if any complications of meningitis occur, such as hearing loss . Treatment at home Youll usually be able to go home from hospital if you or your child has mild meningitis and tests show its being caused by a viral infection. This type of meningitis will normally get 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 Preventing the spread of infection The risk of someone with meningitis spreading the infection to others is generally low. But if someone is thought to be at high risk of infection, they may be given a dose of antibiotics as a precautionary measure. This may include anyone who has been in prolonged close contact with someone who developed meningitis, such as: people living in the same house pupils sharing a dormitory a boyfriend or girlfriend People who have only had brief contact with someone who developed meningitis wont usually need to take antibiotics. Complications of meningitis Most people make a full recovery from meningitis, but it can sometimes cause serious, long-term problems and can be life threatening. This is why its so important to get medical help as soon as possible if you think you or your child has symptoms of meningitis ,and why meningitis vaccinations are offered to certain groups. Its estimated up to1 person inevery2 or 3 who survives bacterial meningitisis left with 1 or more permanent problems. Complications are much rarer after viral meningitis. Main complications Some of the most common complications associated with meningitis are: hearing loss ,which may be partial or totalpeoplewho have had meningitis will usually have ahearing test after a few weeks to check for anyproblems recurrent seizures (epilepsy) problems with memory and concentration co-ordination, movementand balanceproblems learning difficulties and behavioural problems vision loss, which may be partial or total loss of limbsamputationis sometimes necessary to stop the infection spreading through the body and remove damaged tissue bone and joint problems, such as arthritis kidney problems Overall, its estimated up to 1 in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal. Treatment and support Additional treatment and long-term support may berequired if you or your child experience complications of meningitis. For example: cochlear implants, which are small devices that are inserted into the ears to improve hearing,may be needed in cases of severe hearing loss read more about treatment for hearing loss prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation supportmay helpif it was necessary to amputate any limbs read more about recovering after an amputation counselling and psychological support may help if the trauma of having meningitiscauses problems such as disturbed sleep, bedwetting,or fear of doctors and hospitals You may alsofindit useful to get in touch with organisations such as the Meningitis Research Foundation or Meningitis Now forsupport and advice about life after meningitis. Preventing meningitis Meningitis can be caused by a number of different infections, so several vaccinations offer some protection against it. Children should receive most of these as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. Speak to your GP if youre not sure whether your or your childs vaccinations are up-to-date. Meningitis B vaccine The meningitis B vaccine offers protection against meningococcal group B bacteria, which are a common cause of meningitis in young children in the UK. The vaccine is recommended for babies aged8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks, and a booster at one year. 6-in-1 vaccine The 6-in-1 vaccine, also known as the DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB vaccine, offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough , polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B. Hib are a type of bacteria that can cause meningitis. The vaccine is given on three separate occasions when babies are 8, 12 and 16 weeks old. More about the 6-in-1 vaccine Pneumococcal vaccine The pneumococcal vaccine offers protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis. Babies receive the pneumococcal vaccine as2 separate injections, at12 weeks and between 12 and 13 months old. More about the pneumococcal vaccine Hib/Men C vaccine The meningitis C vaccine offers protection against a type of bacteria  meningococcal group C bacteria  that can cause meningitis. Babies are offered a combined Hib/Men C vaccine at 1 year of age. Teenagers and first-time university students are also offered vaccination against meningococcal group C bacteria as part of the combined meningitis ACWY vaccine. More about the Hib/Men C vaccine MMR vaccine The MMR vaccine offers protection against measles , mumps and rubella . Meningitis can sometimes occur as a complication of these infections. The vaccine is usually given to babies at 1 year of age. Theyll then have a second dose when theyre 3 years and 4 months old. More about the MMR vaccine Meningitis ACWY vaccine The meningitis ACWY vaccines offers protection against 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis  meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y. Young people who are in S3 (around 14 years of age) at school are advised to have the vaccination. Young people who are in S4 to S6 and missed the opportunity to get immunised last year, may also get the vaccine at school this year. More about the meningitisACWY vaccine Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 04 December 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. 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