Meningitis B symptoms – be aware

Meningococcal disease is a life-threatening infection caused by bacteria that can go on to cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).   

The disease can progress very quickly so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get medical help as soon as possible. 

Signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia 

Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know has any of the following symptoms: 

• fever with cold hands and feet
• vomiting 
• drowsy or difficult to wake 
• confusion and irritability 
• severe muscle pain 
• pale blotchy skin, spots or rash 
• severe headache 
• stiff neck 
• dislike of bright lights 
• convulsions or seizures 

You can seek medical help in an emergency by calling 999 and asking for an ambulance. 

Getting vaccinated against meningitis 

All university students should be immunised against the different meningitis strains. Most UK students will have received the meningococcal ACWY vaccine (MenACWY) between the ages of 13 and 15 and meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine as an infant. The MenB vaccine is offered to infants as part of the NHS Vaccination Schedule.

If you haven’t had these vaccines for any reason, please speak to your doctor about getting vaccinated – this includes international students. The MenACWY vaccine protects against 4 types of meningococcal disease and septicaemia and is available free to students who are going to university for the first time up until their 25th birthday.