Meningitis information

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. The most common causes of meningitis are bacteria and viruses.

Bacterial meningitis can be fatal and needs rapid admission to hospital and urgent medical treatment. Whilst most people will make a good recovery, around 10% will die and some will be left with life-long disabilities. Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Viral meningitis is very rarely life-threatening, but can still make people very unwell. Most people will make a good recovery, but recovery can be slow.

What are the symptoms?

The classic symptoms, which may not all be present, include:

• Fever with cold hands and feet
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Joint or muscle pain
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Dislike of bright light (photophobia)

People with septicaemia may develop a red rash of tiny 'pin pricks', which can develop into purple bruising.

This rash does not fade under pressure.

How to perform the meningitis glass test

• Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin
• Spots/rash may fade at first
• Keep checking
• Fever with spots/rash that do not fade under pressure is a medical emergency
• Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, get medical help immediately

On dark skin, the spots/rash can be more difficult to see. Be aware of all meningitis signs and symptoms.

Trust your instincts - get medical help immediately. 

Who is at risk?

After babies and children under 5, teenagers and young people are the second most at risk group for contracting meningitis and septicaemia. First year university students are at particular risk.

How do I prevent it?

NHS England strongly encourages new students to be vaccinated with Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine. This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis, septicaemia and death.

Make sure you get the vaccination from your GP at least 2 weeks before you start University, or as soon as you arrive. The vaccination is free to home and international students under 25 years of age.

There has been a UK vaccination programme in recent years and most younger students will now have been vaccinated against the meningitis strain C.

If you have not been vaccinated, discuss this with your GP.

Meningitis is also commonly caused by another bacterium, strain B, so even if you've been vaccinated continued vigilance is necessary. 

Where can I get further advice and information?

• Meningitis Now website, helpline 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org 

• NHS Choices - Health A-Z

Everyone should download the Meningitis 'signs and symptoms' app which is freely available for iPhone and Android phone users.

• For iPhone – go to the App Store
• For Android Phones – go to Google Play 

Who should I contact?

If you think you or someone else may have meningitis, don't hesitate to get help. 

Call 999 for an ambulance. Describe the symptoms carefully and say if you think it could be meningitis.

If you are on campus, call Security on 01904 876 444. They will make sure emergency services can get to you as quickly as possible.

You can also contact:

Student Information Desk by phone at 01904 876 477 or email support@yorksj.ac.uk.

York Medical Group, York St John University. Telephone 01904 724 775 or contact your own GP.