It is important that you are aware of the symptoms of this potentially serious disease as it is easily spread amongst large groups of young people living in close proximity, making you part of a particularly vulnerable group.

In the early stages signs and symptoms can be similar to many other more common illnesses, for example flu. Look out for the following in particular and trust your instincts – if you suspect meningitis or septiceamia, get medical help immediately:

• High temperature, fever possibly with cold hands and feet
• Vomiting and sometimes diarrhoea
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness (unable to touch chin to chest)
• Joint or muscle pains, sometimes stomach cramps with septiceamia
• Dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness
• Fits
• Confusion or disorientation
• Rash

Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.

If you suspect meningitis get medical help quickly.

Meningitis C vaccinations are available, free of charge, to our patients aged 25 years old and under. Please ask a member of the Reception Team for information.

For further information regarding Meningitis please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/