Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord which is known as the meninges (see diagram below). The infection can be caused by either a bacteria or virus which causes the meninges to become inflamed.
Image source: Meninges - Wikipedia
Viral meningitis is the most common and less serious, bacterial meningitis is more serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. There are no over the counter treatments for meningitis but it is important for you to recognise the symptoms so you know when to refer a patient to seek medical attention.
Symptoms
Symptoms of meningitis often begin suddenly and develop rapidly, symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. The important thing to remember is if someone is ill, do not wait for the rash to appear, get medical help immediately.
Service links
Prevention is better than cure! If your pharmacy already offers a flu vaccination service, did you know you could expand your offering to a travel vaccination service? NumarkNet has information about offering the Meningitis vaccine as part of a private service for those individuals not covered by the NHS vaccination schedue. Click here to find out more.
Meningitis is spread through coughing, sneezing and coming in to contact with surfaces that are contaminated with the virus therefore the spread can be halted by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water and using tissues or handkerchiefs.