Meningitis: don’t ignore the signs and symptoms
Meningococcal meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal column) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) are rare but severe diseases that can kill or leave people with life changing disabilities and health problems. Both meningitis and septicaemia can lead to sepsis. Teenagers, and university students in particular, are at increased risk.
Many of the early signs – vomiting, fever, aches, general tiredness and headaches – are also signs of less serious illnesses like colds and flu. But someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours. This is why it is very important to keep checking someone who is ill so you know if they are getting rapidly worse and to keep looking for signs and symptoms.
Seek medical help urgently if you become concerned about their or your own health. It’s important too to look for cold hands and feet, severe limb pain and pale and blotchy skin, as these tend to develop early in the illness.
Go to the NHS website for information on the signs and symptoms
