A serious and sometimes life-threatening illness, meningitis is a condition involving inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain. Most commonly, this takes the form of an infectious disease, caused by either viruses or bacteria. It usually spreads through respiratory droplets and throat secretions, meaning that actions such as coughing, sneezing and kissing can pass it on.
Viral meningitis accounts for the majority of cases, being treated with monitoring and symptom management, and usually lasts for around a week. Bacterial meningitis is a more serious condition, requiring hospitalisation, and can rapidly develop into a life-threatening blood infection known as meningococcal sepsis. However, a bout of either type can result in long-term neurological complications, such as hearing loss and problems with memory or concentration, which can impact lectures and academic performance. As a student, it is vital to be aware of signs, symptoms, and what to do if you suspect meningitis, especially as bacterial meningitis cases in young adults have risen from pre-pandemic levels.
Although anyone at any age can have meningitis, babies, children and young adults are at a higher risk of catching this. Usually, it spreads from someone carrying the bacteria rather than from a person with active disease. In the general population, it is thought that one in ten people carries meningitis-causing bacteria in the back of their throats, with the rate of this rising as high as one in four in young people aged 15-19. With many freshers being aged eighteen or nineteen, they are at a particularly high risk of catching meningitis, due to coming into close contact with other new students from all over the world for the first time.
As the early symptoms can appear as ordinary things such as fresher’s flu, intoxication, and hangovers, meningitis can be missed or detected late in students. However, there are key symptoms to look out for. While it is most often treatable, it is vital to identify it promptly, as it can be fatal if left untreated for too long. Early symptoms include general signs of feeling unwell, such as being tired, nauseous and feverish. This can progress into more characteristic signs, such as neck stiffness, headache, and aversion to light (photophobia).
In severe bacterial meningitis, a non-blanching red rash may appear. The rash is associated with a positive ‘glass test’ – when the rash is pressed on with a clear glass, the red spots will not disappear. It is important to note that this rash may be more difficult to detect on black or brown skin; however, it can be easier to spot when looking at lighter areas of skin, such as soles, palms, and eyelids. The appearance of this rash immediately indicates a medical emergency.
If you or someone you know is very unwell and you think they may have meningitis (with or without the rash), it is essential to call an ambulance or attend A&E immediately. If you are worried about having been exposed to someone with meningitis, the NHS recommends using the 111 service for advice.
While it is a serious condition, having knowledge of the symptoms, along with being vaccinated, is the best way to prevent severe disease. In the United Kingdom, vaccinations against bacterial meningitis are given a number of times throughout childhood, with the last being a single dose at age 14. If you are unsure about whether or not you have received the vaccine, you can check it by accessing your vaccination records, either through the NHS app or by contacting your GP. If you have not received the vaccine, it is not too late, as anyone aged up to 25 years is eligible to receive a single dose at their GP.
More information can be found on the NHS and Meningitis Research Foundation websites, which provide additional resources on the topic, including photos of the rash and easy-to-read infographics.
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