Is meningitis contagious?Meningitis is contagious. Prolonged close contact can spread the bacteria that cause meningitis.
The bacteria can be spread through kissing, coughs and sneezes, shared cutlery, or sharing items like toothbrushes or cigarettes.
Most over 25s will have some natural immunity to the meningococcal strain of bacteria that causes some types of meningitis.
Outbreaks can occur where many young people live close to each other. These include universities, student housing, boarding schools and military bases.How can I prevent meningitis infection?Protection against meningitis C is part of routine childhood vaccinations, with a booster dose for teenagers.
There is also a vaccine now for meningitis B, and plans are being made for this to be included in the childhood vaccination programme.
People planning trip to parts of the world where meningitis is very common should seek medical advice about getting a travel jab for meningitis.
Crowded conditions at religious gatherings such as the Hajj also put people at an increased risk of contracting meningitis.In addition to vaccinations, you should follow some common sense precautions to help prevent meningitis.Be careful around people who have meningitis. It is possible to catch some types of meningitis through contact with bodily fluids, so it might be spread by kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing utensils or toothbrushes. If somebody in your family has it, try to limit his or her contact with other family members.Wash your hands after contact with someone who has meningitis.If you come into close contact with someone with meningitis, seek medical advice. Depending on the extent of your exposure and the type of meningitis, you may be advised by your doctor to take an antibiotic as a precaution.