Information about Meningitis
Meningitis facts
Types of meningitis
Symptoms
Septicaemia may also occur
Treatment
Other Information
Links to Other Useful Sites
Meningitis facts
1. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover
the brain and spine
2. Although meningitis is not common, it is very dangerous and can develop
rapidly
3. At any one time, one in ten people will be carrying the bacteria which can
cause the most serious form of the illness.
4. These bacteria normally live in the back of the nose and in the throat
5. Occasionally they can pass into the blood stream and cause septicaemia
-this is very serious
6. There are over 2000 reported cases of bacterial and meningococcal
septicaemia in the UK each year
Types of meningitis
Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis, and is rarely life-threatening. It can be caused by several different viruses, and is spread between people through coughing or sneezing, or through poor hygiene. Other viruses which can causes this type of meningitis are found in sewage polluted water.
Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics, and treatment is based on good nursing care.
Recovery is normally complete, but headaches and tiredness may persist.
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis, although comparatively rare, is by far the most dangerous and may be fatal.
Bacteria may be spread between people by coughing, sneezing, and kissing, but they cannot live outside the body for long. They cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings, etc.
Symptoms
Not all these symptoms will show at once.
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Symptoms for children may also include:
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Septicaemia may also occur
A rash of red or purple spots or bruises anywhere on the body is a very serious sign. Place the side wall of a glass over the rash and see if the spots or bruises turn white when pressed with the glass.If not, get help immediately.
If two or more of these symptoms are evident consult your G.P. to eliminate a diagnosis of meningitis.
Meningitis is not easy to identify at first because the symptoms are similar to those of flu.
Recognising the symptoms early could mean the difference between life and death.
Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may progress over one or two days but it can develop very quickly and sometimes in just a few hours you may become seriously ill .
Treatment
If you believe that you might have either form of meningitis, go to your Doctor or to Hospital now!
There are different types of meningitis. Treating the illness depends on the type of bacterium or virus that causes the infection.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis, and may also prescribed for immediate family members or others who are in very close contact with the patient.
Antibiotics are not used for viral meningitis.
Other Information
The University Health and Safety Office has a supply of leaflets published by both The National Meningitis Trust and the Meningitis Research Foundation - copies of these are available on request.
At the beginning of each new academic year, an information point is place in the main entrance to each site for the information of new students.
Links to Other Useful Sites
For links about Meningitis Click Here