Kissing, sharing of eating utensils, drinking glasses, water bottles, cigarettes or sharing of lipstick and lip-gloss can spread the disease. Generally, there is no increased risk from normal contact such as being on the same bus or airplane as an ill person, or visiting the home or friends of persons identified as direct contacts of an ill person. Many people exposed to the bacteria do not easily become infected, and even if infected, the majority of people do not develop any disease or symptoms. However, in a small number of these people the bacteria produce meningitis or other serious infections. Although the disease can develop in all age groups, those most commonly affected are children under five years of age and people 15 to 19 years of age.
Early symptoms are much like the flu and include fever, sore throat and generally feeling unwell.
At this time of year it is common to see viral illnesses producing similar symptoms. In young children, the most significant symptom may be a marked behaviour change, such as sleepiness, irritability or excessive crying. People who have had a sudden onset of these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately or go to a hospital emergency for diagnosis. Avoid contact with another person's saliva by not sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, lipstick, lip balm, straws, water bottles and kissing. A vaccine is available to protect individuals against the disease.