The NHS has issued an urgent call for Britons to ensure they are vaccinated against meningitis, a potentially fatal infection. In a social media post, the health service warned that teenagers and young adults are at high risk of contracting the disease.
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to seizures, sight loss, sepsis, and limb amputation. Approximately one in 10 patients with bacterial meningitis dies from the infection.
The NHS advises seeking immediate medical help by calling 999 or visiting A&E if meningitis or sepsis is suspected. Symptoms can appear in any order, and not all symptoms may be present. The health service stresses: 'Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops.'
Vaccinations are available to protect against some causes of meningitis. The NHS encourages people to learn more about these vaccines, which include those for meningococcal groups A, B, C, W, and Y, as well as pneumococcal and Hib infections.
