Meningitis

Meningitis and septicaemia are life-threatening diseases. Knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia, and acting quickly to get medical help, can save lives.

Someone who has meningitis or septicaemia needs medical help immediately.

IMPORTANT: Questions and answers 

(From the Foundation Website)

Q1 Only children and college students get it. True/False?

A1 ... False. Babies, children and young people are most at risk, but anyone of any age can get meningitis and septicaemia.

Q2 You won't get it if you've had a meningitis vaccine. True/False?

A2 ... False. Meningitis vaccines give excellent protection, but can't prevent all forms. You still need to know the symptoms. For more information call the charity's 24hr help-line: 080 8800 3344

Q3 If you feel ill, you should wait and see if you get a rash. True/False?

A3 ... False. The rash is mostly seen with septicaemia, but it might not appear until someone is already very ill, and in some cases may not appear at all.

Q4 You always get a stiff neck, and can't stand the light. True/False?

A4 ... False. Neck stiffness and dislike of bright lights are symptoms of meningitis but do not appear in every case and are unusual in young children. They are not symptoms of septicaemia - the more dangerous form.

Q5 With meningitis and septicaemia you always get ill quickly. True/False?

A5 ... False. The main type of meningitis and septicaemia come on very fast and the person will get worse very quickly. However, there are some types where the onset of illness is slower.

Trust your instincts. If you are worried about someone who is ill, get medical help immediately.

As well as information about the symptoms, on their website you can also find out:

1. How to donate to Meningitis Research Foundation

2. More about the diseases

3. Information about the charity

4. Their programme of research

5. How to get involved in the fight against meningitis and septicaemia

6. How you can get support if you if you've already been affected by meningitis and septicaemia

There's also a special section for health professionals

If you have a query that is not covered in the website, and you live in the UK or Ireland, you can get in touch using their e-mail-able form.

If you would like to hear a 30-second message about the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and the speed with which they develop, the Meningitis Website has links to click.

Information contained on this website is for guidance only and is not intended to replace advice given by a doctor.

Some Useful Related Websites / Contacts:

Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) - www.amrc.org.uk
The AMRC's objects are to further medical research in the UK generally and in particular to advance the effectiveness of those charities of which a principal activity is medical research. Meningitis Research Foundation joined the AMRC in July 1998.

British Medical Journal - www.bmj.com

Cells Alive - www.cellsalive.com

Child Bereavement Trust - www.childbereavement.org.uk
The Child Bereavement Trust leads the way as the centre of excellence for improving the care offered by professionals to grieving families.

“the dots” recommend that you visit the Meningitis Research Foundation Website:

www.meningitis.org

24hr help-line: 080 8800 3344 (UK)

LoCall: 1890 41 33 44 (Rep of Ireland)