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Meningitis

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Meningococcal Meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more severe than viral meningitis.

Meningitis is usually caught from those who are not ill themselves but carry the bacteria or viruses in their nose and throat. These infections that cause meningitis can be spread through coughing, sneezing, sharing of utensils and toothbrushes and kissing. There is also a risk of getting meningitis if travelling to an area prone to breakouts.

It is most common in babies, children, teenagers and young adults and can be fatal if left untreated as it can cause septicaemia, resulting in permanent damage to the nerves or brain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order and you may not necessarily exhibit all the symptoms. These symptoms can develop suddenly and include:

 

  • patchy rashes
  • stiffness in the neck
  • a headache
  • vomiting
  • extreme sensitivity to light
  • drowsiness or confusion
  • seizures
  • a high temperature (38C or above)
  • a general feeling of discomfort
  • joint pain

Treatment

 

People with suspected meningitis will usually have tests to confirm the diagnosis and ascertain whether the condition is the result of a viral or bacterial infection.

 

Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own within 7-10 days. Treatment at home, consisting of painkillers, rest and anti-sickness medication will help alleviate symptoms.

 

If treated quickly, those with bacterial meningitis can also make a full recovery. However, bacterial meningitis often requires hospitalisation for at least a week. Treatment within the hospital will consist of intravenous antibiotics and fluids.

 

Some people with bacterial meningitis may still experience some serious long-lasting issues, such as:

  • problems with concentration
  • problems with memory
  • hearing loss (complete or partial)
  • vision loss (complete or partial)
  • co-ordination and balance issues
  • amputation of affected limbs
  • epilepsy

 

Prevention and Vaccination

 

Travellers should try to avoid close contact with local people where there is a possible risk of catching the infection.

 

However, there are vaccinations that offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis. There are a number of vaccinations against meningitis that babies and young children receive as part of the NHS vaccination schedule. However, the meningitis ACWY vaccine is the vaccine offered to teenagers and young adults. Ideally, it should be taken between 2-3 weeks before any travel departure date.

 

During your consultation with an Ahmeys travel health practitioner, you will undertake a travel risk assessment based on your itinerary and travel plans. Our expert practitioners are also well placed to discuss and assess the risks versus the benefits of vaccination of those who are pregnant or who suffer from certain allergies. Our aim is for you to leave your consultation feeling confident and fully informed.

Faheem Ahmed

Have Questions?

Our clinicians would be more than happy to help.

Either give us a call on 01865 689 149 or book online.

It's really that simple!

Book a Consultation

Providing NHS services

How to Find Us

Visit us at:
158 Oxford Road
Cowley, Oxford, OX4 2LA
Contact us at:
[email protected]
01865 689 149

Join over 1000's of patients who choose Ahmey's

Jackie Nakate
Jackie Nakate
2021-08-14
professional and lovely staff. The staff was super helpful and also called just to make sure I got my results without any mistakes.
Dimitris Kolokouris
Dimitris Kolokouris
2021-07-18
Went for a fit to fly PCR test. The staff were incredibly polite and helpful. They took special care to get my flight credentials correct and had my test result to me within less than a day. They guarantee to get your result the next day (even over weekends). Overall good service, I would recommend.
Margherita Davoli
Margherita Davoli
2021-06-22
I went today for a covid rapid- antigen test for travelling. Excellent service, they also gave me a pdf with the certificate for travelling, both paper and via email.
Elena Razzano
Elena Razzano
2021-05-27
I went to the clinic for a Covid Swab test: the nurse has been very professional and careful, the service has been perfect, fast and the certificate compliant for the fit to fly. I highly recommend this service and I will definitely use it again.
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
Aloise Fiala-Murphy
2021-05-25
Very good service, just did a PCR test for travelling. Helpful, on time and easy.
Susanne Mecklenburg
Susanne Mecklenburg
2021-05-24
Super service, competent, friendly, quick turn around of the results - really helpful. I can recommend it!
Michael Chipeta
Michael Chipeta
2021-02-04
Had Covid-19 fit to fly test. Results came promptly, in record time. Impressed with the service.
Shengpan Zhang
Shengpan Zhang
2021-01-24
Excellent service, very friendly and reliable
Kan Li
Kan Li
2021-01-19
Excellent people to work with! Great service, prompt communication, flexible schedule, and very reasonable price. 100/100 recommend for all kinds of fit-for-travel testing.