Do you know the signs for meningitis?
Meningitis isn’t that common but it can be serious if you become infected. It’s important that you are aware of the symptoms because taking action quickly can save lives.
Common signs and symptoms of meningitis are:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- cold hands and feet
- dislike of bright lights
- fever
- shivering
- vomiting
- confusion
- drowsiness
- seizures
- rash that does not fade under pressure
- rapid breathing
- pains in the limbs, joints, muscles
- stomach pain – sometimes with diarrhoea
- pale or mottled skin.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is infection of the meninges - the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Emma Henry contracted bacterial meningitis as a 19 year-old studying for her first year university exams.
She said: "I was in a coma, relying on a respirator for three days. My parents were told to expect the worst. Thankfully I recovered but it was a full year before I felt confident in my recovery and even then I still suffered from ill health.
"When I finally graduated from university I felt so luckily to have achieved that and made the recovery I have. I feel so lucky and sometimes I find this hard to accept or believe."
Find out more
If you think that you or someone else has meningitis call your GP immediately for advice or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. For more information check out our page on Meningitis.
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