Meningitis, what are the risks, you might be worried, received from Saga, 2026 03 19

[Colin Howard]

Greetings,

I am extremely concerned by the rise of meningitis, I had this when living
in Malta, Dad went out in late 1950, Mum and I followed in March 1951 and I
was taken ill just before my second birthday. I was in an induced coma for
I believe two weeks at UmTafa Hospital, it was at first thought I had
contracted poleo malitis, then a most dangerous disease for which there were
no vaccines. Thank the Lord, vaccines were available from 1956, I had my
course over 1957-8. But the appearance of a rash made them have a rethink
just in time to save my life.

With meningitis cases rising among students in Kent, we explain the signs,
the risks for older people and what it means for you and your family.

By Laura Silverman | Published - 14 Mar 2026

The meningitis outbreak in Canterbury, Kent has prompted understandable
concern, particularly among parents and grandparents with family in the
area.

Several cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed. The
cases have been caused by group B meningococcus (MenB). It's a serious
illness which can escalate quickly. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has
called the outbreak "unprecedented" in how fast it has spread.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, thousands of doses of
antibiotics have been given to people most at risk. Many have also been
offered a vaccine.

For most older people, the risk remains low. The key is understanding where
the real risks lie and where they don't.

What is meningitis?

"Meningitis is an infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord,"
explains Dr Rosi Marsh, a GP in London.

"It can be caused by bacteria or viruses," she says. The current outbreak is
bacterial meningitis. This is the most serious form: "It can become
life-threatening very quickly."

The symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis can be difficult to spot at first. "Early symptoms can often be
confused with other illnesses such as a cold, flu or hangover," warns the UK
Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Symptoms can include:

A high temperature

Severe headache

Vomiting

A stiff neck

Sensitivity to light

Confusion

Drowsiness

Rapid breathing

A rash which doesn't fade under pressure (which is what I had)

"Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms," says Professor
Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of General
Practitioners, "and they can appear in any combination."

If you or someone you're looking after has a rash which doesn't fade, severe
drowsiness or confusion, seizures, a severe headache with neck stiffness,
difficulty breathing or you can't wake them, call 999 or go to A&E
immediately, says Dr Marsh.

If they have a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, unusual sleepiness,
sensitivity to light, or neck pain or stiffness, call your GP or 111
straight away. "Do not wait for a rash," Dr Marsh adds. You need to act now.

It is also important to recognise meningitis doesn't always look the same
across the generations, according to the charity Meningitis Now. While
adults might display classic symptoms, babies might be unusually floppy or
difficult to wake, have a bulging soft spot on their head and develop a
high-pitched cry.

"In older adults, the presentation is often less typical," says Dr Deepali
Misra-Sharp, a GP in Glasgow. "In practice, they may not have obvious neck
stiffness or sensitivity to light." The symptoms she often sees are:

Sudden confusion or delirium

Drowsiness or reduced consciousness

General deterioration

Who is affected by MenB?

MenB is most common in children under two, teenagers and young adults, says
Dr Marsh. This is because the immune system is still developing and they may
be mixing a lot with new people.

The current outbreak is largely centred on students. Students often live,
study and socialise together, making it easier for the bacteria to spread.

"Most people who carry the bacteria never become ill," says Dr Simon Clarke,
associate professor in cellular microbiology at Reading. This means it can
spread without anyone realising.

How do you catch meningitis?

Meningitis does not spread easily through casual interactions.

"The bacteria do not survive long outside the body, so casual contact
carries a much lower risk," says Dr Marsh. Instead, MenB spreads through
close, prolonged contact, says Dr Clarke, such as coughing, sneezing,
kissing or sharing cups.

Transmission usually requires sustained, close contact, for example, if you're
living together or have intimate contact over time. "In practical terms,
hugging grandchildren is safe," says Dr Misra-Sharp.

However, if someone has potentially been exposed to MenB, it's sensible to
check they've followed public health advice.

"If children or grandchildren are returning from the University of Kent,
please check that they have had the antibiotics as advised by the UKHSA,"
says Sue Rogers, director of information, research and support at Meningitis
Now, "Ensure they have received [the vaccine] if they are in the identified
group."

What is the vaccination?

Meningitis isn't one single disease, but a group of infections caused by
different bacteria and viruses. This means there are several different
vaccines.

The current outbreak involves meningococcal group B (MenB). This is not
covered by the routine MenACWY vaccine given to teenagers. It is, however,
covered by the MenB vaccine that has been given to babies through the NHS
since 2015.

The difficulty is, teenagers and young adults today were born before. Unless
they have had the vaccine privately, they will have missed out.

The best meningitis vaccine for older people

The MenB vaccine is currently routinely offered on the NHS only to babies.

In response to the Kent outbreak, a targeted programme is now under way for
students most at risk. For older adults, a different vaccine is more
relevant.

Dr Mark Porter, Saga Magazine's GP, says: "Bacterial meningitis,
particularly the meningococcal type (like Meningitis B), may be more common
in children and younger people, but older adults can get it too. While there
is no routine vaccination currently available for older people against
meningitis B, the biggest threat in this age group is actually another
bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and a vaccine against
this is available to everyone as a one off dose at 65.

"If you have not had yours, I would urge you to consider it. Contact your GP
surgery for more information. Not only should it help protect you and your
peers against the most common form of bacterial meningitis at your age , but
it will also reduce the risk of pneumococcal sepsis and pneumonia."

Should you pay for a vaccine?

In light of headlines about the current meningitis outbreak, it's little
surprise demand for vaccines has surged. Pharmacies are feeling the strain.

"Pharmacies are getting unprecedented levels of requests for meningitis
vaccinations and many are unable to order in supplies from wholesalers,"
states the National Pharmacy Association.

Private MenB vaccination typically costs about £200 for a full course, but
supply is limited.

For most older people, it is unlikely to be necessary. The decision is best
discussed with a GP, particularly if you have concerns about exposure or
underlying health conditions.

"While younger people may be more likely to catch it, older adults are more
vulnerable to complications if they do," says Dr Misra-Sharp.

"Some older adults who have immunodeficiencies (such as those without a
spleen) may be offered additional doses of pneumococcal or meningococcal
vaccines in adulthood," explains Dr Marsh. "Usually, patients will be
informed by their haematologist, if this is required."

Should you be worried?

Meningitis is a serious disease and outbreaks understandably cause anxiety.
But your situation and the individual strain matter.

"Don't panic," says Dr Marsh. "It is a serious illness but fortunately
extremely rare and is treatable if caught early. It is also quite difficult
to spread, so casual contacts are not at high risk."

Public health authorities are also taking action. "The combination of
antibiotic treatment, contact tracing and targeted vaccination is the tried
and tested public health response," says Dr Clarke. These measures, he says,
have "a strong track record of bringing [cases like this] under control.
This is not currently a situation requiring anything approaching the
restrictions we saw during Covid."

However, while you don't need to change your day-to-day life or stop seeing
family, you should know the symptoms, act quickly if they appear and make
sure your own vaccinations, particularly the pneumococcal jab if you are
over 65, are up to date.

"Meningitis is a relatively rare disease. [but] it is essential people make
themselves aware of the signs and symptoms," says Rogers.

"If you or a loved one are displaying the symptoms of meningitis, please
seek urgent medical advice.
Meningitis is an emergency."

Written by: Laura Silverman

Laura Silverman is a freelance journalist. She has chased news leads for the
Sun, written arts reviews for The Times, interviewed politicians for Country
Living and edited features for the Telegraph. She has also written books
about wild swimming and Mary Shelley.

Colin Howard, living in Southern England.