Quick answer

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by infection. It can kill within hours. Call 999 for a non-blanching rash, stiff neck with fever, severe headache, confusion, or a baby who is floppy, refusing feeds, or has a bulging soft spot.

Meningitis can kill within hours

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges — the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that can kill or cause permanent disability within hours if not treated. Knowing the symptoms and acting fast saves lives.

Symptoms in children and adults

Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order and develop rapidly:

  • High fever — with cold hands and feet
  • Severe headache — unlike a normal headache
  • Stiff neck — difficulty touching chin to chest
  • Dislike of bright lights (photophobia)
  • Vomiting and feeling very unwell
  • Confusion, drowsiness or difficulty waking
  • Seizures (fits)
  • Non-blanching rash — see the glass test below

Not everyone gets every symptom. Do not wait for a rash — meningitis can occur without one.

Symptoms in babies

Babies may not show classic signs. Watch for:

  • fever with cold hands and feet
  • refusing feeds or vomiting
  • floppy and unresponsive, or stiff with arching back
  • bulging soft spot (fontanelle) on the head
  • rapid or unusual breathing
  • high-pitched cry or moaning
  • pale, blotchy or blue skin

Trust your instincts — if your baby seems seriously unwell, seek emergency help.

The glass test

If a rash appears, press a clear drinking glass firmly against it:

  • Blanching rash (fades under pressure) — less likely to be meningococcal septicaemia, but still seek urgent help if the person is unwell
  • Non-blanching rash (colour stays) — call 999 immediately

The rash may start as tiny red or brown pinpricks and spread quickly.

What to do

Call 999 if you suspect meningitis. Say you think it may be meningitis. Do not wait for all symptoms. Early antibiotics in hospital are life-saving for bacterial meningitis.

Vaccination

Routine UK childhood immunisations protect against several major causes:

  • 6-in-1 vaccine — includes Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • MenB vaccine — given at 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 year
  • Pneumococcal vaccine — protects against some pneumococcal meningitis
  • MenACWY vaccine — offered to teenagers

Vaccination has greatly reduced meningitis rates, but no vaccine covers all types. Always know the symptoms.

Recovery

Outcomes depend on cause and speed of treatment. Viral meningitis usually resolves fully. Bacterial meningitis survivors may need ongoing support for hearing loss, learning difficulties, or other effects. Meningitis charities provide help for affected families.

Meningitis vs a simple fever

A child with a mild fever and runny nose from a cold is usually well in themselves between temperatures. Meningitis causes a child to seem seriously unwell — floppy, difficult to comfort, or unusually drowsy. When in doubt, call 999 or NHS 111 urgently.

Common questions

What is the meningitis glass test?
Press a clear glass firmly against a rash. If the rash fades under pressure, it blanches. If it does not fade, it may be a non-blanching rash associated with meningococcal septicaemia — call 999 immediately. Do not wait for a rash — meningitis can occur without one.
What are meningitis symptoms in babies?
High fever, cold hands and feet, refusing feeds, vomiting, floppy or irritable when picked up, rapid breathing, bulging soft spot on the head, and an unusual cry or moaning. Trust your instincts — babies can deteriorate very quickly.
Can meningitis be prevented by vaccination?
UK routine childhood vaccines protect against several causes — including MenB, Hib, pneumococcal and MenACWY for teenagers. Vaccines have dramatically reduced meningitis but do not cover every type. Know the symptoms regardless of vaccination status.
What is the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?
Viral meningitis is more common and usually less severe — most people recover fully. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency needing urgent antibiotics and hospital care. It is not always possible to tell the difference without tests — serious symptoms need 999.
What is septicaemia?
Septicaemia (sepsis from meningococcal bacteria) is blood poisoning that often accompanies meningitis. It causes the non-blanching rash, cold hands and feet, and rapid deterioration. Both meningitis and septicaemia are emergencies.

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