Meningitis: Know the Signs

Posted 3 weeks ago

This 1-minute read could save a life at Uni

First-year university students are particularly at risk for meningitis. Knowing the signs could save a life!

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:

  • a high temperature
  • cold hands and feet
  • vomiting
  • confusion
  • breathing quickly
  • muscle and joint pain
  • pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
  • spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
  • headache
  • a stiff neck
  • a dislike of bright lights
  • being very sleepy or difficult to wake
  • fits (seizures)

Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. It might not just be fresher's flu or a bad hangover!

Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious.

Sources with thanks to Meningitis Now and the NHS.