NHS alert over deadly illness as 'high-risk' groups urged to get vaccinated

The NHS has issued an urgent call for Brits to ensure they are protected against a potentially fatal disease. According to the health service, two specific groups face "high risk" from this dangerous infection.

In a message posted on social media platform X, the NHS highlighted the dangers of meningitis. This is an infection of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.

Without prompt treatment, it can trigger seizures, sight loss, sepsis and limb amputation amongst other serious complications. The disease can also be deadly, claiming the lives of approximately one in 10 patients who contract bacterial meningitis.

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On X, the NHS said: "Meningitis can be life-threatening and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves." The health service added: "Teenagers and young adults are at high risk of catching meningitis."

The NHS also encouraged people to learn more about available meningitis vaccinations.

How meningitis spreads

Meningitis typically comes from bacterial or viral infections. The NHS website explains that whilst bacterial meningitis occurs less frequently, it poses greater risks than the viral form.

Infections leading to meningitis can transmit through:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Kissing

The NHS explained: "Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but are not ill themselves. It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common."

Symptoms

Meningitis symptoms emerge "suddenly" and may include:

• A high temperature (fever)
• Being sick
• A headache
• A rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop)
• A stiff neck
• A dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness or unresponsiveness
• Seizures (fits)

These symptoms can appear in any order. You do not always get all the symptoms.

When to seek help

The NHS advises you to dial 999 for an ambulance or head to your nearest A&E "immediately" if you suspect you or someone you care for might have meningitis or sepsis. It stated: "Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops.

"Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly. Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.

"If you've had medical advice and are still worried or any symptoms get worse, get medical help again."

Vaccines

Vaccinations provide some protection against certain causes of meningitis. These include the:

• MenB vaccine – given to infants at eight weeks, with a second dose at 12 weeks and a booster at one year
• 6-in-1 vaccine – administered to babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks of age
• Pneumococcal vaccine – two doses given to babies at 16 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over
• Hib/MenC vaccine – provided to babies at one year of age (if they were born on or before 30 June 2024)
• MMR vaccine – given to babies at one year and a second dose at three years and four months
• MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time

For more information, visit the NHS website here.