What Is Meningitis & Septicaemia?
Meningitis and septicaemia are serious, life threatening illnesses that can kill in hours
Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Some bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning).
The bacteria that causes meningitis lies at the back of the throat and the nose – you may be a carrier of the meningitis bacteria but never be affected by it.
Around 10% (rises to 25% in student age group) of the general population carries meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats at any given time. This is usually healthy carriage and helps develop immunity. Occasionally the bacteria defeat the body’s defences and cause infection.
5 KEY FACTS
- Meningitis can affect anyone of any age. Teenagers and young people are the second most at-risk group
- Meningitis and septicaemia can kill
- Some people often survive with life changing conditions
- No vaccine provides 100% protection against meningitis but getting vaccinated may help save your life.
- Early signs and symptoms can appear similar to ‘flu’ or stomach bug.