Meningitis and Septicaemia

Information on Meningitis and Septicaemia

Information for staff and students

Meningitis and septicaemia are serious life threatening illnesses, which can often happen together.  While the risk to students and staff is low, individuals should remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms and seek medical attention if they become unwell.

Look out for others.  Is your flatmate feeling ill?  Meningitis / Septicaemia can kill in hours - know the signs so you can rule them out.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs / symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.  Do NOT wait for a rash to appear before getting help.

  • fever
  • vomiting
  • severe headache and feeling unwell
  • limb pain
  • pale or mottled skin
  • cold hands and feet
  • neck stiffness
  • dislike of bright lights
  • irritability or confusion
  • extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
  • joint or muscle pain
  • breathing fast and fits
  • Rash that does not disappear with a glass (septicaemia),

If you have any symptoms of illness you are worried about, you should contact NHS 24 by dialling 111 or consult your local GP.

Protecting against meningococcal disease 

It is worth checking that you are up to date with your vaccines. Since 2015, MenACWY vaccine has been recommended for new students before they start university in the UK. If you are unsure if you have already received the MenACWY vaccine, please contact your GP practice who can check your records and arrange a referral if required

More information can be found on NHS Lothian Student Vaccinations

Further Information

Meningitis Research (http://www.meningitis.org ). This charity has a 24-hour free-phone helpline (0808 800 3344) for information and advice.

Meningitis Now - Identifying the Disease - https://www.meningitisnow.org/fight-for-now/wtf-meningitis/identifying-disease/

Posters

Meningitis poster can be downloaded here.  Please help to raise awareness by displaying these posters in your work/study/home area.

Video

Meningitis Signs and Symptoms | meningitis Now – a short video (1 min 45 seconds)

https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-video/

Information on Registering with a Doctor (General Practitioner) in Scotland

Register with a doctor

New To Lothian ? Know who you can turn to for healthcare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This article was published on