Meningitis information

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by many different organisms including bacteria and viruses.

There are many different causes of meningitis. The two most common organisms are viral and bacterial.

Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening.
Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, but can leave you with lifelong after-effects.
All causes of meningitis are serious and need medical attention.
Meningitis can affect anyone, of any age, at any time, however there are at risk groups.
Meningitis can strike quickly and without warning, so urgent medical attention is essential.
Vaccines are the only way to prevent meningitis, and until we have vaccines to prevent all types you need to know the signs and symptoms to look out for and the action to take.
Most people will make a good recovery, but some will suffer life-long after-effects and complications

Meningitis facts

10% of bacterial cases result in death.
15% of those who survive bacterial meningitis are left with severe after-effects such as brain damage, hearing and sight loss, and where septicaemia (blood poisoning) has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring.
Bacterial meningitis kills more UK children under the age of five than any other infectious disease.
Viral meningitis is usually less serious than bacterial meningitis but can still leave people with long-lasting after-effects, such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems.

You can speak to our experienced staff by calling our freephone helpline, available 24-hours a day, 0808 80 10 388. Alternatively, email the Meningitis Trust and we will come back to you as soon as we can. We are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.