Meningitis and septicaemia in adults Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.
Answers to questions about meningitis and septicaemia in adults
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email. This section will expand over time.
- Who should be vaccinated against meningitis in the UK?
- I'm travelling abroad. Do I need different meningitis jabs?
- What are the chances of having ongoing problems after recovering from meningitis or septicaemia?
- What is aseptic meningitis?
Who should be vaccinated against meningitis in the UK?
Answer
All babies, children and young adults need to have the meningitis vaccines.
Explanation
Since 1999, vaccination against meningitis C has been part of the routine vaccination programme for children. If you are under 25 and weren't vaccinated as a child, you should have been called up to have the vaccine as part of a catch-up programme. In particular, if you are starting at university you should be vaccinated, regardless of your age. This is because there is more risk of an outbreak happening at universities because there are many young people living close together.
If you have had your spleen removed, for example after an injury to your abdomen (tummy), or if you have a medical condition that means your spleen that doesn't work properly, you may need extra doses of the vaccine to ensure you are fully protected.
Sources
- Immunisation against infectious disease: The green book. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 15 August 2008
I'm travelling abroad. Do I need different meningitis jabs?
Answer
Yes, there are some different vaccinations that you will need if you are travelling to certain countries or plan to stay a long time in areas where other strains of meningitis are common.
Explanation
You should make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date with the standard UK recommendations.
For instance, in certain countries in the developing world, the type A strain of the meningococcal bacteria is common. Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected. If you are visiting one of these areas, you may need to have immunisation for this strain, especially if you are going to be backpacking, staying for a long time or working closely with the local population. Outbreaks of meningitis have occurred at Muslim pilgrimages, so anyone attending the Hajj should seek advice from their GP or practice nurse.
Speak to your GP for country-specific advice.
Sources
- Immunisation against infectious disease: The green book. Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 15 August 2008
What are the chances of having ongoing problems after recovering from meningitis or septicaemia?
Answer
This varies from person to person. It depends on what caused your meningitis and how ill you were.
Explanation
Doctors can't say for sure what the long-term effects of having meningitis are. Meningitis is an infection of the protective coverings of your brain and spinal cord. As the nerves in the brain and spinal cord are crucial for controlling movement and sensation - including hearing - these functions may be damaged by the illness. Research has found that two months after leaving hospital nine out of 10 people who have had meningitis have few or no problems. However, a small number are left with a severe disability, most commonly hearing loss. This may not be noticeable until you are beginning to recover from meningitis.
If meningitis was caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, you are more likely to have problems after you have recovered than if it was caused by other bacteria. If you are over 65 or have another medical condition, you are more at risk of problems afterwards.
Sources
- de Gans J, van de Beek D. Dexamethasone in adults with bacterial meningitis. N Engl J Med 2002; 347(20):1549-56. http://content.nejm.org
What is aseptic meningitis?
Answer
This is the term for meningitis that isn't caused by bacteria. It's generally a less serious illness.
Explanation
Aseptic meningitis is often caused by a virus, such as coxsackie, mumps or herpes simplex. It may also be caused by something such as medicines or a tumour. The illness is most common in young children and becomes less common as you get older. The early symptoms can be the same as those for bacterial meningitis (for example, a stiff neck, fever, headache) but the illness tends to get better without treatment with antibiotics.
Your GP will refer you to hospital if it's possible that you have meningitis. In the early stages of infection it's not possible to be sure whether the infection is bacterial or viral without hospital tests. It's not only vital to rule out bacterial meningitis but finding out which virus is causing the infection can help with decisions about how you should be treated.
You will need to have blood tests and a test called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to find out whether you have bacterial (septic) or aseptic meningitis. You will also probably have a CT scan. This uses X-rays to make a three-dimensional image of your brain.
If you have aseptic meningitis, you may well be able to recover at home, taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol to control any fever and make you feel more comfortable. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
Sources
- Logan S, MacMahon E. Viral meningitis. BMJ 2008; 336(7634):36-40. www.bmj.com
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2008
Meningitis and septicaemia in adults factsheet
Visit the meningitis and septicaemia in adults health factsheet for more information.
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