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Frequently Asked Questions Remember to trust your instincts and stay vigilant. If you are worried about someone who is ill, get medical help immediately. Q: Who can get Meningitis? click for answer
A: Although babies, children
and young people are most at risk, anyone of any age, can contract
meningitis and septicaemia.
Q: Are meningitis and meningococcal
septicaemia treatable? click for answer
A: Yes. Both diseases are treatable
with antibiotics if they are caught early enough. However, both
diseases can be fatal if not recognised in time.
Q: Can I get it if I’ve had a meningitis
vaccine? click for answer
A: Yes. Meningitis vaccines
give excellent protection, but can’t prevent all forms. You should
still be aware of the symptoms and know what to do if they occur.
For more information, see the symptoms page, or call NHS Direct
or Meningitis Research Foundation.
Q: If someone is ill, should they
wait to see if a rash develops? click for answer
A: No, the rash is mostly seen
when septicaemia is also present, but may not appear until someone
is very ill – and in some cases, might not appear at all.
Q: Do you always get a stiff neck
and an aversion to light? click for answer
A: Neck stiffness and dislike of bright lights are symptoms of meningitis, but do not appear in every case and are unusual in young children. Q: Do meningitis and septicaemia
always make you ill quickly? click for answer
A: The main types of meningitis
and septicaemia usually come on very rapidly – and patient will
continue to decline very quickly. However, there are some types
where the onset of illness is slower.
Q: If someone I know has meningitis
will I catch it? click for answer
A: The chances of catching meningitis
or meningococcal septicaemia from someone you know are slight
as the bacteria can only be passed on through close contact such
as kissing and sneezing and can only survive outside the body
for a few seconds.
Q: Will I need antibiotics if someone
I know is diagnosed with bacterial meningitis? click for answer
A: If someone has suffered from
meningitis then those who are considered to be at risk will be
contacted by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and given a course
of antibiotics. If you are not contacted then you are not seen
to be at risk, however if you are still concerned, consult your
GP and always be vigilant for the symptoms.
Q: If someone has had the disease,
can they catch it again? click for answer
A: Yes. Although meningitis
and septicaemia are rare, having contracted the disease once
does not stop you from getting it again.
Q: What do I do if I think my child
is showing the symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, but my
GP tells me otherwise?
A: Trust your instincts and
be persistent - you know your child. If you have any doubt at
all, go directly to your nearest Casualty Unit.
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