Meningitis: symptoms, signs and how to protect yourself

We're reminding students how to look out for symptoms and raise the alarm if you or a friend are feeling unwell. 

What is meningitis? 

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and can be very serious if it is not treated quickly. 

It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.  

What are the signs and symptoms? 

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: 

• A stiff neck

• Fever, cold hands and feet

• Vomiting

• Drowsy, difficult to wake

• Confusion and irritability

• Severe muscle pain

• Pale blotch skin spots/rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash does not always develop)

• Severe headache

• Stiff neck

• Dislike bright lights

• Convulsions/seizures 

Don’t confuse ‘freshers' flu’ with meningitis 

Meningitis and freshers’ flu are very different things but can often be confused. While the signs and symptoms may be quite similar at first, people with meningitis are likely to become much more unwell very quickly. 

If you think it could be meningitis – seek urgent medical help 

Call 999 immediately or go to your nearest A&E if you think you or someone in your care could have meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis. Trust your instincts and do not wait for all symptoms or for a rash to develop. People with meningitis, septicaemia or sepsis can become seriously unwell very quickly. 

Call NHS 111 if you're unsure whether it's serious. 

If you've already had medical advice but remain worried or symptoms worsen, seek medical help again. 

You can find out more information on signs, symptoms and how to protect yourself on the NHS website.