Meningitis is an infection of the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord
It can be very serious and life-threatening if not treated quickly
Symptoms develop suddenly and can resemble flu, a stomach bug, or a hangover at first
Not everyone with meningitis develops a rash
Babies and children under 5 can show different signs
About Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be very serious, and even life-threatening, if it isn't treated quickly.
Recognising the Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop suddenly, and can include a high temperature, very cold hands and feet, a stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, a severe and worsening headache, pain when looking at bright lights, seizures, vomiting and diarrhoea, confusion, being very sleepy or hard to wake, or spots or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass (which can be harder to see on brown or black skin).
Babies and children under 5 may also refuse to feed, have a high-pitched or unusual cry, seem stiff or floppy and unresponsive, or have a bulging soft spot on top of the head. Some early symptoms can resemble flu, a stomach bug, or a hangover, which can make meningitis harder to recognise at first.
The Meningitis Rash
Not everyone with meningitis develops a rash, but it's important to know what to look for. It typically starts as small red pinpricks, then spreads quickly, turning into red or purple blotches — this can be harder to see on black or brown skin, so it's worth checking paler areas such as the palms, soles, roof of the mouth, whites of the eyes, or inside the eyelids. A genuine meningitis rash doesn't fade when a clear glass is pressed firmly against the skin.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Meningitis · Getting Help
When to Get Medical Help
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Act Immediately
You need to get medical help straight away if you think you or your child might have meningitis.
?? Call 999 or go to A&E if an adult or child aged 5 or over:
Has a very high or very low temperature, feels hot or cold, or is shivery; has a very painful headache; is confused, has slurred speech, or isn't making sense; has a stiff neck and can't look at bright lights; has a rash that doesn't fade when pressed; has a seizure for the first time; or has symptoms you're worried could be meningitis.
?? Call 999 or go to A&E if a baby or child under 5:
Has a very high temperature (38C or more under 3 months, or 39C or more between 3 and 6 months); has a very low temperature (below 36C) or feels cold and shivery; has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry; has a rash that doesn't fade when pressed; isn't responding normally, isn't feeding, or is floppy, hard to wake, or unusually sleepy; or has symptoms you're worried could be meningitis. Do not drive yourself to A&E — the 999 call handler will advise you what to do.
A child or adult with meningitis might not show every symptom listed. Trust your instincts, and get immediate medical help if you or your child are unwell and you sense something is seriously wrong.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Meningitis · Causes & Prevention
Causes and Reducing Your Risk
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
How It Spreads
Meningitis can be caused by various viruses or bacteria, spread through close contact with an infected person — for example, through kissing, sharing drinks or vapes, or spending a lot of time in close contact, such as living in the same home. It's often spread by people who carry the virus or bacteria without being ill themselves.
Anyone can get meningitis, but it's more common in babies and young children, teenagers and young adults, older people, and those with a weakened immune system, such as people with HIV or having chemotherapy. It's possible to get meningitis more than once.
Vaccination
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against meningitis. As part of the routine NHS schedule, children and teenagers are offered vaccines covering the main causes, including MenB, MenACWY, pneumococcal, 6-in-1, and MMRV. A time-limited MenB vaccination has also been offered to certain young people starting university or residential further education for the first time. If you're unsure whether your or your child's vaccinations are up to date, you can check using the NHS App or by asking your GP surgery.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Meningitis · Treatment & Recovery
Treatment and Recovery
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether meningitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, which is confirmed through tests in hospital. Viral meningitis tends to improve on its own within 7 to 10 days, and can often be managed at home with rest, painkillers, and anti-sickness medicine. Bacterial meningitis needs hospital treatment, usually for at least a week, which may include antibiotics and fluids given directly into a vein, and oxygen through a face mask.
Recovery and Outlook
Viral meningitis doesn't usually cause lasting problems, and most people recover fully. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious, and can occasionally lead to long-term effects such as hearing or vision loss, seizures, problems with movement and coordination, or difficulties with memory and concentration — and in serious cases, it can be fatal.
If you or your child have had meningitis, charities such as Meningitis Now and the Meningitis Research Foundation offer further information, support services, and helplines for anyone affected.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
