Top News

NHS bosses have issued an urgent warning as they urge people to see their GP in certain circumstances. Health officials took to X, formerly Twitter, to raise awareness about a serious infection - and the importance of keeping vaccinations up to date.

The recent post reads: "Meningitis can be life-threatening and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. Speak to your GP if you're not sure whether you or your child's vaccinations are up to date."

Anyone who has missed a jab is also encouraged to contact their GP, with reminders that teenagers and young adults face a "high risk" of contracting meningitis.

• Women who clean regularly could face one serious health risk warns study
• Chris Eubank Jr told he should have retired instead of fighting Conor Benn

A link in the post directs people to the NHS website for more information, explaining that meningitis "can be caused by a number of different infections, so several vaccinations offer some protection against it."

The guidance adds that children "should receive most of these as part of the NHS vaccination schedule."

Without swift treatment, meningitis can become extremely dangerous, potentially causing life-threatening sepsis and lasting brain or nerve damage, reports Bristol Live.

Warning signs include a high temperature, cold hands and feet, vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, muscle and joint pain, pale, mottled or blotchy skin, spots or a rash, headache, a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up, and/or fits.

Babies may also turn away from feeds, display irritability, cry in a high-pitched tone, show stiffness or floppiness, become unresponsive, or have a bulging soft spot on their head.

The NHS warns: "Symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. In the early stages, there may not be a rash, or the rash may fade when pressure is applied.

"You should get medical help immediately if you're concerned about yourself or your child. Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops."