Health News
What you need to know
Meningitis Awareness
Recent news reports have highlighted a meningitis outbreak in the Canterbury area of Kent, where a number of cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been identified. Sadly, there have been confirmed deaths and several people have required hospital treatment.
Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is rare, but it can be very serious and develop quickly. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
Symptoms can include:
• A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed
• Sudden high fever
• Severe, worsening headache
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Joint and muscle pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Very cold hands and feet
• Seizures
• Confusion or delirium
• Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
Symptoms don’t always all appear, so it’s important to trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help if you’re concerned.
Did you know?
Young people starting university or college are at increased risk, as they mix closely with others who may carry the bacteria without knowing.
The MenACWY vaccine protects against several common strains (A, C, W, and Y) and is routinely offered to teenagers. However, it doesn’t cover all types, including MenB, so awareness of symptoms remains crucial.
Further information
If you’d like advice on meningitis vaccines or protection, pop into your local M&D Green pharmacy and speak to our team.
Our teams are available for any questions you may have, our pharmacy locations can all be found here
You can find out more on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/
