SAC Learning

What is it?

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining of the brain caused by different types of organisms which are either viruses or bacteria.

Viral meningitis is generally more common, less serious and cannot be helped by antibiotic treatment.

Bacterial meningitis, which includes meningococcal meningitis, is less common but tends to be more serious and needs urgent treatment with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis can lead to septicaemia/blood poisoning. This disease can kill in hours if not treated.

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Signs and Symptoms

Meningococcal Septicaemia

• Rash (starts as tiny red pin prick marks and develops into purple bruises or blood blisters)
• Very cold hands and feet
• Rapid breathing
• Losing consciousness
• Pains in the limbs, joints, muscles and stomach
• Difficulty walking and standing
• Vomiting repeatedly
• Fever

Meningitis

• Severe headache
• Severe sleepiness or confusion
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Vomiting repeatedly
• Fever

Action to Take

• If you think it's a bad dose of flu, a heavy hangover or drugs, don't just leave it!
• Check out the symptoms.
• If you're feeling really bad, tell someone.
• If someone you know is feeling rough, stick around.
• If it gets worse rapidly, get a doctor's help immediately.
• Make sure you are registered with a GP and keep the telephone number of the GP of everyone in the household by the telephone.

Meningitis Facts

1 in 10 people at any time are carrying the bacteria which cause these diseases. We pass them between each other by regular close contact such as kissing. It is OK for the vast majority of us to carry these bacteria - they don't make us ill BUT, in a very few people, the bacteria get into the blood stream and cause meningitis or meningitis blood poisoning. Nobody knows who is at risk, so make sure you know the symptoms.

24 HOUR HELPLINE - 080 8800 3344