How easy is it to catch meningitis?

It is not easy to catch meningitis, many of us will carry the germs that can cause it but most of us will never become ill.  Carrying the germs can be a good thing; helping us build up our own protection against disease.

The germs that cause bacterial meningitis can live in the back of our throats. We can pass them to each other through coughing, sneezing and intimate kissing.  It is rare but in some people the germs manage to get into their blood and cause disease.

When someone has the disease, it is not easy to pass onto other people, but you should always know the signs and symptoms to look for.

Download our symptoms card here.

You can see how meningococcal bacteria can invade the body here

If you need more information or you have any questions, please call our 24 hour helpline.

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