Even when half of all meningitis cases arise in children under the age of five, people of all ages can be affected.

Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now, says: “We’re really keen to get over the message that meningitis is not just a disease of babies & young children – it can strike anyone of any age at any time. In particular, adults over 55 are an at-risk group as their immune systems can be less robust.”

Meningitis is the swelling of the membranes - the meninges - that protect the brain & the spinal cord, & is typically caused by germs which enter the body. It can be grave, so immediate action is always necessary & it’s important that people are aware of its signs & symptoms.

The symptoms in adults are very analogous to those found in children, with the early signs including cold hands & feet, vomiting, headaches & muscle pain. People’s condition can get worse very quickly so it is important to keep checking & get urgent medical attention.

• Fever, cold hands & feet
• Vomiting
• Drowsy, difficult to wake
• Confusion & irritability
• Severe muscle pain
• Pale, blotchy skin. Spots/rash
• Brutal headache
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Convulsions/seizures

Causes of meningitis

There are several causes of meningitis, but the most widespread are viruses & bacteria. Viral meningitis is more rampant than bacterial & is rarely acute, but it can still cause people to become critically unwell. The symptoms are similar to bacterial meningitis, so urgent medical attention is always needed. Viral meningitis is not seen as contagious & most people will make a full recovery. There’re an estimated 6,000 cases of viral meningitis every year.

Bacterial meningitis is the more dodgy form of the disease & can kill people within hours, but if treated fast it becomes less severe Most people will make a full recovery from the disease, & about 10 percent will die & 15 percent will suffer from life-long disabilities, according to Meningitis Now.

The bacteria can also bring about septicaemia, an infection of the blood that can be fatal. The common mistaken belief is that a rash is the first sign of meningitis. This is in fact caused by septicaemia & is often the last of the symptoms to occur, & sometimes never appears. Doctors consequently advise that you should never wait for the rash, & instead seek immediate medical help as soon as possible if someone is becoming ill.

There’re an estimated 3,200 cases of bacterial meningitis & septicaemia every year in the United Kingdom. Following bacterial meningitis or septicaemia, one in 10 people will die & at least a third of survivors will be left with lifetime after-effects like hearing loss, epilepsy, limb loss or learning difficulties.

Meningitis treatment

Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics, but they’re ineffective against the viral form. There’re no exact treatments for viral meningitis, but doctors will make sure patients are hydrated, rested & given painkillers in order to aid their recovery.

Meningitis prevention

Vaccines are the only preventive measure against meningitis, but as of yet, there’s no vaccine which will protect people against all its forms. Doctors as a result advise people to always be vigilant of the symptoms.

Dr Nutt says:

Knowing the signs & symptoms & seeking urgent medical attention if meningitis is suspected are the best first step towards protecting yourself & your loved ones.