By Abigail Hunt,Courtney Eales
Copyright dailystar
The NHS has called on people to consider getting vaccinated against meningitis, a serious infection that targets the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges). While the condition can strike anyone, it’s most prevalent among babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. The NHS cautions that the infection can be “very serious” without proper treatment and may prove fatal, as it can trigger sepsis. Taking to X, previously Twitter, the NHS posted over the weekend: “Meningitis can be life-threatening and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. Several vaccinations offer protection against it.” Since meningitis stems from various different infections , multiple vaccinations provide some defence against it. Most children should receive these jabs as part of the standard NHS vaccination programme, but if you’re uncertain, consult your GP to check whether your child’s immunisations are current. Meningitis symptoms can emerge rapidly and may include:, reports the Liverpool Echo . You should dial 999 for an ambulance or head straight to your nearest A&E if you suspect you or someone in your care might have meningitis or sepsis. Health authorities advise: “Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.” Meningitis typically stems from bacterial or viral infections, with the bacterial form being less common but far more severe than its viral counterpart. The condition is generally contracted from individuals who harbour these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat without showing any symptoms of illness themselves. It’s also possible to catch meningitis directly from someone who has the disease, though this occurs less frequently. Certain vaccinations provide some defence against specific causes of meningitis, as outlined by the NHS. Those suspected of having meningitis will typically undergo hospital tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it’s caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The NHS states: “Bacterial meningitis usually needs to be treated in hospital for at least a week.” Most patients with bacterial meningitis who receive prompt treatment will recover completely, though some may be left with severe long-term complications.