What you need to know
- Meningitis is the swelling of the layers (membranes) that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are called meninges.
- The most common germs that cause meningitis are viruses and bacteria.
- Viral meningitis is not usually life-threatening, but it can make you very unwell. Most people make a full recovery, but some can have headaches and memory problems for several weeks.
- Bacterial meningitis is life-threatening and needs urgent medical treatment. Most people who have bacterial meningitis will get better but many people can be left with lots of different after-effects and 1 in 10 will die.
- Meningococcal bacteria are the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK. These bacteria can cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Together, they are called meningococcal disease. When people talk about meningitis, they are usually talking about meningococcal disease.
- Meningitis and septicaemia can affect anyone, at any age. Babies and young children are most at risk, but teenagers and young adults (15 – 24 years) are also at risk.