Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette. Careful hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs.
However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis.
Symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia and meningococcal disease include:
a high temperature, though occasionally, people have no symptoms at first.
Other Symptoms of meningitis may develop suddenly and include:
- being sick
- a headache
- a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it , though a rash will not always develop.
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
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 do not wait until a rash develops.
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. Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of viral meningitis.
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
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
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/