When someone is exposed to a person who has viral meningitis, they may get a cold or an illness with diarrhea and vomiting, but it is unlikely that they will get meningitis. College students are at higher risk for bacterial meningococcal disease than the general population because of their age and behaviors. For example, college students are more likely to share beverages with each other and live in crowded spaces such as apartments and residence halls. If you have been in contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of an infected person, talk to your medical provider about whether or not you need preventive treatment.
Meningococcal disease is uncommon but very serious. Get vaccinated. Make sure you were vaccinated less than three years ago and, if not, get a booster. This vaccine loses effectiveness after a few years. Getting vaccinated can help break the spread of the bacteria that causes meningococcal disease from person to person. Take steps to prevent the spread of the bacteria by limiting close, intimate contact with others and avoid sharing items that expose you to the saliva of others, such as sharing drinking containers, eating utensils or food, and pipes, cigarettes, bongs, joints or hookahs.
Anyone with symptoms of meningococcal disease should seek medical attention. The rash is caused by blood leaking from the damaged blood vessels into the tissues underneath the skin. The rash can start anywhere on the body. It begins as tiny red pin pricks, but may quickly develop to look like fresh bruising. The Glass Test can be used to see if the rash might be septicaemia.
If you press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly onto the spots or bruises, they will not fade. A rash will not always appear with meningitis and can be one of the last symptoms to be displayed. Never wait for a rash if you suspect meningitis. If someone has septicaemia alone, the common signs of meningitis, such as a severe headache or neck stiffness, may not be present.
The early signs and symptoms of septicaemia include:. Septicaemia can progress very quickly, resulting in severe shock and, in some cases, death within hours. If septicaemia is suspected, urgent medical help is needed. If you have identified signs and symptoms and someone's general health is deteriorating, you need to act quickly. The following links are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia:.
Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. When there is a case of meningococcal disease there is a slightly increased risk of the disease spreading to the household and kissing contacts of a primary case. Antibiotics are given to kill any meningococcal bacteria which may be carried at the back of the throat of the contact and prevent any further transmission. These antibiotics are not a form of prevention. It is still important to look out for signs and symptoms.
Vaccines are available to prevent some types of meningitis and most of these are available as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule. However, not all types of meningitis can be prevented by these vaccines. The majority of people will make a full recovery, but some people may be left with after-effects from both bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis. After-effects include:. The toxins that are released during septicaemia cause damage to blood vessels.
This can prevent the vital flow of blood and oxygen to major organs and can result in after-effects such as:. We can help you today. We are dedicated to supporting people after meningitis and have a wide range of specialist services. They are all free, with no waiting lists and our support is for life. Home Meningitis explained What is meningitis?
Some types of meningococcal vaccines can be given as early as 8 weeks of age. Kids 10 years and older with these risk factors also should get the MenB vaccine. They'll need 2 or 3 doses depending on the brand. They might need more booster doses as long as the risk factor remains. For those without risk factors, the decision to receive the MenB vaccine should be made together by teens, their parents, and the doctor. For them, the preferred age range is 16—18 years.
Usually, they need 2 doses. Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria. It can lead to an infection of the bloodstream or meningitis, or both, and can be life-threatening if not quickly treated. The MenACWY vaccine is very effective at protecting against four strains of the bacteria, while the MenB vaccine protects against a fifth strain.
Some of the most common side effects are swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the injection, along with headache, fever, or tiredness. Serious problems, such as allergic reactions, are rare.
The meningococcal vaccines contains only a small piece of the germ, so it can't cause meningococcal disease. Your child might have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness at the injection area.
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