Meningitis and septicaemia are serious diseases that can prove fatal. Meningitis is an infection of the membranes around the brain and spine and septicaemia is poisoning of the blood.

They often occur together and can be difficult to differentiate at first because they have similar symptoms. Meningitis and septicaemia can be caused by the same bacteria.

In the UK, the two most common forms of bacterial meningitis are meningococcal disease (caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis) and pneumococcal disease (caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcal bacteria).

Pneumococcal bacteria has many different strains or types that can cause a number of conditions such as meningitis and septicaemia, acute otitis media (infection of the middle ear) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs).

Both bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae) can also cause septicaemia.

The information outlined above reflect current NHS Choices recommendations

Meningitis: what is it?

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective layers or lining around the brain and spinal cord. These layers are often called ‘meninges’ and the fluid around them ‘cerebral spinal fluid’ or CSF.

Meningitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. While viral meningitis is a serious illness, it is rarely life-threatening and the majority of people make a full recovery. Bacterial meningitis has a significantly worse outcome.

Anyone can get pneumococcal meningitis. However it is more common in infants and young children under the age of 2 years as their immune systems are not yet fully developed and adults with weakened immune systems.

Classic symptoms of meningitis include severe headaches, dislike of bright lights (photophobia) and neck stiffness (less common in young children). Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, fever, confusion and drowsiness, a rash and seizures.

Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening, particularly if it is not recognised and treated immediately. It is important to know what the symptoms of meningitis are, particularly in children, and what you should do about it. Meningitis should be treated as a medical emergency because bacterial meningitis can lead to septicaemia, which can be fatal. 

Septicaemia: what is it?

Septicaemia is the blood poisoning form of the disease. It is caused when bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiply uncontrollably.

While symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia are similar, those with septicaemia may also have limb and/or joint pain, cold hands and feet with pale or blotchy skin.

Trust your instincts. If your GP is unavailable you should go straight to the hospital or call an ambulance.