Meningitis – the facts

Antibiotics will not help meningitis caused by viruses. For this the treatment is painkillers because the body gets rid of the infection itself.

Will my other children get it?
The bugs are passed from person to person through coughing or sneezing, sharing a glass or kissing. They do not live outside the body for long, so can’t be picked up from water supplies or swimming pools.

Close members of the family who’ve been in contact with meningitis will be given antibiotics. School friends don’t require antibiotics unless several people have been affected at the school.

Up to 25% of adolescents and 11% of adults carry the bacteria naturally, usually at the back of their throats, without getting ill. We don’t yet know what triggers the disease in some people and not in others.

What is the long-term outcome?
Meningitis can cause further complications in a small percentage of children. These include:

• Deafness – your child’s treatment will be followed up with hearing tests
• Epilepsy
• Cerebral palsy
• Learning difficulties
• Skin problems if the rash was very extensive

In 1999 a nationwide programme was introduced to immunise against meningitis C. It is currently being given along with a baby’s first set of immunisations, or to children when they enter school or college. Scientists agree that the vaccination is highly effective and it has already reduced disease rates by over 70% in the age groups that were first targeted for vaccination.

There is no vaccine for Group B, the other major form of the disease, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

For help and advice call the 24 hour helpline: 080 8800 3344