The NHS has advised UK residents to get vaccinated against a serious ailment. The health authority highlights that two groups of individuals are particularly at “high risk” for this deadly disease.
Through a message on the social media platform X, the NHS cautioned about the dangers of meningitis, which is an infection affecting the membranes that safeguard the brain and spinal cord.
If not treated promptly, it can result in seizures, loss of vision, sepsis, and even the need for amputation, among other severe consequences. Additionally, the condition can be fatal, with approximately one in ten bacterial meningitis cases resulting in death.
On X, the NHS emphasized: “Meningitis can be life-threatening and may cause lasting damage to the brain or nerves.” The agency further noted: “Teenagers and young adults have a heightened risk of contracting meningitis.”
The health body also urged people to find out more about the vaccines available for meningitis.
How meningitis is spread
Meningitis generally arises from either a bacterial or viral infection. According to the NHS website, bacterial meningitis, though less common, poses a greater threat than viral meningitis.
Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:
The NHS explained: “Meningitis is usually contracted from individuals who harbor these viruses or bacteria in their nasal or throat regions without being sick themselves. Although possible, catching it from someone with meningitis is less frequent.”
Symptoms of meningitis
Symptoms of meningitis develop “suddenly” and can include:
- A high temperature (fever)
- Being sick
- A headache
- A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
- A stiff neck
- A dislike of bright lights
- Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Seizures (fits)
These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.
When to get medical help
The NHS says you should call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E “immediately” if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. It said: “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops.
“Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly. Call NHS 111 for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.
“If you’ve had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again.”
Find out about the symptoms you need to watch out for and get health advice with our free health newsletter from the Daily Express
Vaccines
Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis. These include the:
- MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged eight weeks, followed by a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year
- 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age
- pneumococcal vaccine – two doses offered to babies at 16 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over
- Hib/MenC vaccine – offered to babies at one year of age (if they were born on or before 30 June 2024)
- MMR vaccine – offered to babies at one year and a second dose at three years and four months
- MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and “fresher” students going to university for the first time
For more information, visit the NHS website here.
