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Health officials have urged people to remain vigilant following a meningitis outbreak in Kent, which has resulted in the deaths of two young people. Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Early symptoms can include fever, headaches, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion and neck stiffness. If it’s not treated quickly, meningitis can be incredibly serious, causing inflammation of the brain’s lining, which may lead to septicaemia (sepsis) and permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
However, many meningitis symptoms closely mirror those of far more common illnesses, from migraines and flu, to stomach bugs and even hangovers. That’s why recognising the signs could be life-saving.
Below, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, outlines several illnesses that people may think they have, when meningitis could be the real culprit.
Dr Grant says, “Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that requires urgent medical treatment. One of the challenges with the condition is that its early symptoms can look very similar to several common illnesses, particularly in the early stages of infection. This can make it difficult for people to immediately recognise the severity of what they are experiencing.”
Note: If you suspect you have meningitis or sepsis, it’s important to call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately. Meningitis and sepsis can develop and progress very quickly.
1. Flu
Dr Grant says, “Flu is one of the most common illnesses that meningitis can be mistaken for early on. Both conditions can cause fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and muscle aches. However, meningitis symptoms typically worsen rapidly and may also involve warning signs such as neck stiffness, confusion or sensitivity to light.”
Meanwhile, common flu symptoms, such as coughing, runny nose, and sore throat, don’t usually happen with meningitis.
2. Severe migraine
A sudden, severe headache is a common symptom of meningitis, usually accompanied by nausea and aversion to bright lights. As a result, it can sometimes be mistaken for a migraine.
If you often suffer from migraines, you’ll know that they often follow a known, recurring pattern. Meningitis symptoms, on the other hand, usually develop quickly and unexpectedly.
Dr Grant says, “Severe migraines can also resemble meningitis symptoms due to the intense headaches, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity they cause. Many migraine sufferers may initially assume they are experiencing a typical episode. However, if symptoms occur alongside fever, confusion, or neck stiffness, medical attention should be sought urgently.”
3. Stomach bugs
Dr Grant says, “Stomach bugs can also cause symptoms that overlap with meningitis, particularly nausea, vomiting, fever, and general fatigue.
“While stomach bugs usually involve diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort, early meningitis symptoms may be mistaken for a digestive illness before neurological symptoms develop.”
4. Covid-19
Early meningitis symptoms can be similar to viral infections, such as COVID-19.
Dr Grant says, “Viral illnesses such as Covid-19 or other respiratory infections can cause headaches, fever, fatigue, and body aches, which can make early meningitis symptoms less obvious. While most viral infections resolve on their own, meningitis symptoms often escalate quickly and require urgent medical care.”
5. Sinus infections
A sinus infection can cause pain and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead, as well as a high temperature.
Dr Grant says, “Sinus infections can cause headaches, facial pressure, fever, and fatigue, which may resemble the early stages of meningitis. But again, meningitis is more likely to include neurological symptoms such as neck stiffness, sensitivity to light and confusion.”
6. Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a rare but serious inflammation of the brain, most commonly caused by viral infections. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
Dr Grant says, “Encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain, can present with similar symptoms to meningitis, including fever, headaches, confusion and sensitivity to light. Because both conditions affect the brain and nervous system, distinguishing between them typically requires medical tests.”
Encephalitis can also cause symptoms like changes in behaviour or personality, difficulty with speech, and loss of movement in some areas of the body.
7. Hangover
Dr Grant says, “Meningitis symptoms in young adults are sometimes mistaken for hangovers or what is often referred to as ‘fresher’s flu’, particularly in university settings where fatigue, headaches and nausea may seem routine. However, meningitis can progress extremely quickly, so persistent symptoms or sudden deterioration should never be ignored.”
It’s particularly important for students and young people to be aware of meningitis symptoms, because they may be at higher risk of developing the disease.
According to research, one in four 15 to 19-year-olds carries meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats without becoming unwell or showing symptoms, compared to one in 10 of the UK population, putting them at greater risk.
To learn more, you might like to read our article: Meningitis B – symptoms, spread, and how to keep your family safe.
Note: If you suspect you have meningitis or sepsis, it’s important to call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately. Meningitis and sepsis can develop and progress very quickly.
For further reading, head over to our health news section.
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