Signs of Meningitis

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is a serious disease in which there is inflammation membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This is caused by viral or bacterial infection, and marked by intense headache and fever, sensitivity to light, and muscular rigidity.  This article will explain the signs of Meningitis and how Meningitis can be prevented.

What are the Signs of Meningitis?

The signs of Meningitis include:

• Sickness
• Severe headaches
• Temperature higher 37.5C
• Eyesight sensitivity (inability to look at lights)
• Feeling stiff/achy
• Drowsiness
• Seizures
• A blotchy rash (test that the rash doesn’t disappear when a glass is rolled over it).

People who have Meningitis may not experience all of the symptoms above, however, it is recommended that if you do experience a few of the symptoms that you call 111 for advice or 999 if you believe that the condition is serious.

How Do People Get Meningitis?

Meningitis can be spread a number of ways, including; coughing, sneezing, kissing and sharing utensils such as knives and forks. It is most often caught by people who have the bacteria of the virus in their mouth or nose but aren’t actually ill/suffering from Meningitis.

How to Prevent Meningitis?

 Various vaccines are available to protect you and your children from Meningitis. The vaccinations include the below:

• The Meningitis B vaccine is for babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks, and a booster at 1 year.
• The 5-in-1 vaccine is offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age.
• The Pneumococcal vaccine is offered to babies at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year old.
• The Meningitis C vaccine is offered at 12 weeks of age and at 1 year old.
• The MMR vaccine is offered to babies at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 months.
• The meningitis ACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers who are 14 years of age.

Can Meningitis be Cured?

Meningitis can be treated if it is caught early enough. People with symptoms of meningitis will be tested 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. Treatments include:

• Antibiotics given directly into a vein.
• Fluids given directly into a vein.
• Oxygen through a face mask

However, viral Meningitis often clears without treatment in 7 to 10. The best way to recover from viral Meningitis is by getting plenty of rest and taking paracetamol/ibuprofen and anti-sickness medication can help relieve the symptoms and speed along recovery.

Want your Medication and Repeat Prescriptions Delivered for Free?

If you have a repeat prescription or are suffering from something as horrible as viral Meningitis, you may wish to consider using services such as RXLive, which provide a free delivery service to ensure you never miss your medication again and have a dedicated pharmacist ready to chat at all times. You can sign-up to the service here – completely free!