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Meningitis and Septicaemia (blood poisoning) are not always easy to recognise, and symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. In the early stages, the signs and symptoms can be similar to many other more common illnesses, for example flu.
Early symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea (feeling sick),
vomiting (being sick), and muscle pain, with cold hands and feet.
The spots or rash are caused by blood leaking into the tissues under the skin. They are more difficult to see on darker skin, so look on paler areas of the skin and under the eyelids. The spots or rash may fade at first, so keep checking.
However, if someone is ill or is obviously getting worse, do not wait for spots or a rash to appear. They may appear late or may not appear at all.
A rash that does not fade under pressure (see ‘The Glass Test’) is a sign of meningococcal septicaemia. This rash may begin as a few small spots anywhere on the body and can spread quickly to look like fresh bruises.
Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening infection. It is a term used to describe two major illnesses – meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). These can occur on their own or more commonly both together. It can strike at any age, but most cases occur in babies and young children. The next most vulnerable group are teenagers and young adults.
Most people will make a good recovery but meningococcal disease requires quick medical treatment, as around 7% of cases will result in death and 15% of those affected can be left with severe and disabling after-effects.
Trust your instincts. If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately.
For more information or to collect a meningitis information leaflet (available in Student Union from February) please contact Michaela mwoodhouse@qmu.ac.uk in your Student Union.
The University Nurse Fiona Keighren fkeighren@qmu.ac.uk, is on hand for appointments, treatment information and to give advice.
STUDENT CAMPAIGN
Students are an ‘at risk’ group for meningitis. One in four students carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis at the back of their throats, compared to one in 10 of the population as a whole. It’s thought that shared living arrangements, exposure to germs from around the country and intimate contact add to the increased risk.
What we do:
• Each autumn we campaign to make students aware of the disease and its signs and symptoms
• We provide symptoms cards, tailored awareness posters and leaflets to all universities and colleges
• We highlight the importance of getting vaccinated and urge parents to ensure their children have had the relevant vaccines before heading to university
• We provide 24-hour access to information and advice on meningitis through our nurse-led helpline 0800 028 18 28
• We provide practical and emotional support to all those whose lives have been affected by meningitis
Our services include: 24-hour nurse-led helpline with access to translators, free professional counselling, a home visiting service and financial grants
For further information please contact:
Harriet Penning, Communications Officer, on 01453 769018 or
email Harrietp@meningitis-trust.org
