Meningitis

Types of meningitis

Meningitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type.

Bacterial meningitis is rare but can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.

Symptoms of meningitis 

Meningitis can affect anyone, but is common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. 

It needs to be treated quickly so it is important to know the signs and symptoms, which can happen in any order and may not all be present. 

Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: 

• a high temperature (fever) over 37.5°C (99.5°F)
• being sick
• a headache
• a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop) 
• a stiff neck
• a dislike of bright lights
• drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• seizures (fits)

Further information on the glass test is available at:

• Using the meningitis glass test on a rash

Babies may also:

• refuse feeds
• be agitated and not want to be picked up
• have a bulging soft spot on their head (fontanelle)
• be floppy or unresponsive
• have an unusual high-pitched cry
• have a stiff body

These symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear.

When to get medical help

You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you're concerned that you or your child could have meningitis.

Trust your instincts and don't wait until a rash develops.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency department immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

Call your GP surgery or GP out of hours service for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.

How meningitis is spread 

Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.

Several viruses and bacteria can cause meningitis, including:

• meningococcal bacteria – there are several different types, called A, B, C, W, X, Y and Z
• pneumococcal bacteria
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria
• enteroviruses – viruses that usually only cause a mild stomach infection
• the mumps virus
• the herpes simplex virus – a virus that usually causes cold sores or genital herpes

Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:

• sneezing
• coughing
• kissing
• sharing utensils, cutlery and toothbrushes
• close contact with other people

Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but aren't ill themselves. 

To be infected usually requires frequent or long periods of close contact.

It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.

It is also possible to get meningitis more than once.

Preventing the spread of infection

The risk of someone with meningitis spreading the infection to others is generally low. 

However, if someone is thought to be at high risk of infection, they may be given a dose of antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

This may include anyone who has been in prolonged close contact with someone who developed meningitis, such as:

• people living in the same house
• pupils sharing a dormitory
• university students sharing a hall of residence
• a boyfriend or girlfriend

People who have only had brief contact with someone who developed meningitis won’t usually need to take antibiotics.

Meningitis vaccinations 

Meningitis can be caused by a number of different infections, so several vaccinations offer some protection against it.

These vaccines are offered to children and young people as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.

The vaccines include:

• Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine
• Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine for young people
• six-in-one vaccine
• Pneumococcal vaccine for babies
• MMRV vaccine
• Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine

Children should receive most of these as part of the childhood immunisation programme.

Teenagers in Northern Ireland are offered the MenACWY vaccine in school in year 11 or 12. 

However anyone that has missed the routine offer can receive this vaccine from their GP up until they turn 25 years old. . 

From July 2026, eligible students under the age of 25 who are attending university or further education colleges for the first time will be offered the MenB vaccine as a one-off, time-limited catch up before the start of the Autumn 2026 academic year. 

Further details of this programme can be found at:  

• Urgent MenB vaccination for young people

Speak to your GP if you're not sure whether you or your child's vaccinations are up-to-date.

Treatment for meningitis 

People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests in hospital to confirm the diagnosis and check whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection.

Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week.

Severe viral meningitis may also require to be treated in hospital.

Some treatments you may require in hospital include:

• antibiotics given directly into a vein
• fluids given directly into a vein to prevent dehydration
• oxygen through a face mask if there are any breathing difficulties
• steroid medication to help reduce any swelling around the brain, in some cases

You may need to stay in hospital for a few days if you have meningitis. In certain cases, treatment may last several weeks.

Even after going home, it may be a while before you feel completely back to normal.

You may need more treatment and further support if you have any complications.

If tests confirm you or your child have mild meningitis caused by a viral infection you will usually be able to go home. 

This type of meningitis will normally get better on its own without causing any serious problems. Most people feel better within seven to 10 days. 

Getting plenty of rest and taking painkillers and anti-sickness medication can help relieve the symptoms in the meantime.

Outlook for meningitis 

Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems.

Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious, long-term problems. These can include:

• hearing loss or vision loss, which may be partial or total
• problems with memory and concentration
• recurrent seizures (epilepsy)
• co-ordination, movement and balance problems
• loss of limbs – amputation of affected limbs is sometimes necessary

Overall, it's estimated that up to one in every 10 cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal.

Meningitis

More useful links

• How to use your health services
• Immunisation for teenagers between 14 and 18 years old
• Meningitis Research Foundation
• Meningitis Now