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Meningitis Information
Posted or Updated on 20 Mar 2026
Meningitis is a serious condition where the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. Septicaemia is when the bacteria enter the bloodstream to cause blood poisoning. They can happen to anyone so its important to know the symptoms and risks.
Early symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches, can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu. But someone with Meningitis or septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours. That's why it's crucial to keep checking on anyone who is unwell.
Meningitis Symptoms
- fever
- a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)
- vomiting
- stiff neck
- dislike of bright lights
- rash (DO NOT wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical advice)
- confusion, delirium
- severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
- fits
Septicaemia Symptoms
- fever and shivering
- severe pains and aches in limbs and joints
- vomiting
- very cold hands and feet
- pale or blotchy skin
- rapid breathing
- diarrhoea and stomach cramps
- red or purple 'bruised' or blotchy rash on skin that does not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check paler areas of the skin, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, inside the mouth (roof), and the eyelids
- difficulty walking or standing
- severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
If you become worried about yourself, your child, or a friend particularly if symptoms are getting worse, seek medical help urgently
Early treatment can be life-saving
Protect yourself against serious diseases
Students are at higher risk of many infectious diseases.
Follow these steps today to make sure you're protected:
Register with a GP surgery in your local area
More information on how to do this here.
Ask the GP to check you're vaccinated against:
HPV - protects against the virus causing cervical cancer, head and neck cancers and genital warts. Both girls and boys should have this vaccine
MenACWY - protects against four deadly strains of meningitis
MMR - protects against measles, mumps and rubella
Get caught up
These vaccines are safe and available for free at your GP
Find out more here