Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together. Meningitis can happen to anyone.
Do you know the signs?
Fever/vomiting, severe headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, very sleepy/difficult to wake, confused/delirious, rash (anywhere on the body), seizures.
Symptoms can occur in any order and not everyone gets all symptoms. If you're worried about yourself or someone else, get medical help immediately.
Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Symptoms are:
- fever/vomiting
- limb/joint/muscle pain
- cold hands and feet shivering
- pale or blotchy skin
- breathing fast/breathless
- rash (anywhere on the body)
- very sleepy/difficult to wake
- confused/delirious
Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly.
If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately.
Do not assume it’s COVID-19. It might be COVID-19, but it could be meningitis. Call your GP or NHS24 on 111.
Go to your nearest accident and emergency department or dial 999 for an ambulance.
Meningitis vaccination
The Men ACWY vaccine is part of childhood immunisations in the UK. For more information visit NHS Inform or contact them on +44 (0)800 22 44 88. If you're concerned about this issue, you can speak to your own GP, or contact us (disability-wellbeing
Further information can be found at Meningitis Now.
For more information on Student Awareness of Meningitis please visit the Meningitis Now Universities webpage.