Should You Be Worried About the Meningitis B Outbreak?

Meningitis B - it's all over the news and cases are increasing. How worried should you be about MenB infection?

We spoke to our Medical Director and GP Dr Chun Tang.

Meningitis B requires sustained, direct contact to spread
Basic hygiene is a good protective measure
Infants, children and young adults are most at risk

Should we be worried about the MenB outbreak?

If you were born before 2015, it’s likely that you haven’t been immunised against Meningitis B - unless you received the vaccine from a private healthcare provider or highstreet pharmacy like Boots.

It’s important to remember that no vaccine will offer complete protection from meningitis.

What you can do to protect yourself against Meningitis

It’s normal to feel anxious or worried. It’s important to remember that MenB bacteria requires close contact to spread, and basic hygiene measures are effective for reducing infection.

“While immunisation is a key protective measure, basic good hygiene is the best course of preventative action against bacterial infections - including MenB,” explains Dr Chun Tang, private GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical.

Preventative measures you can take to protect yourself against bacterial infections including MenB include:

Proper handwashing techniques, especially for childrenMinimise contact with individuals who may be sick, especially during outbreaks.
Avoid sharing drinks, food and similar items like vapes or cigarettes, with others
Educate yourself and stay informed about meningitis symptoms, transmission, and prevention strategies.
Additionally, trust your instincts. If you feel your concerns are not taken seriously, seek a second opinion or consult with specialists.

Book a Private GP appointment

Meningitis signs & symptoms to watch out for

The earliest signs of a MenB infection can feel similar to a migraine, cold, or even a hangover.

Remember symptoms can appear in any order and individuals will be affected differently.

Typically, the earliest signs of Meningitis B are:

High fever
Nausea and / or vomiting
Feeling generally unwell
Sensitivity to light
Severe headaches
Drowsiness

Signs of Meningitis B in babies include:

A high-pitched scream
Being difficult to wake
Feeling tense or stiff
Bulging soft spot on the head
Fever - but not always

Later signs of Meningitis B and septicemia include:

Stiff neck
Generalised joint and limb pain
Distinctive rash that may or may not disappear when pressed

Immediate medical attention is crucial if you or your child exhibits symptoms. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional.

What should someone do if they’re unsure whether symptoms are serious?

“If you’re unsure whether symptoms are serious, the safest approach is simple: get medical advice urgently. Call NHS 111 for guidance or go straight to A&E if symptoms are severe or worsening quickly. It’s always better to be told it’s nothing serious than to delay when it could be something critical.

“From a doctor’s perspective, we would much rather assess someone early and rule out meningitis than see them later when they’re much sicker. If something feels off, especially if symptoms are escalating or don’t match a typical illness, trust that instinct and act on it. It can make all the difference.”

Because the symptoms of meningitis closely resemble those of flu or hangover, what specific red flags should people look for?

“The key is spotting what doesn’t fit the usual pattern. Red flags include a stiff neck (difficulty bending your head forward), sensitivity to light, confusion or drowsiness that’s out of proportion, and severe, persistent headache. Vomiting combined with these symptoms is particularly concerning. In meningococcal cases, a rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass against it is a major warning sign, but importantly, that rash can appear late or not at all.”

“Another thing I tell patients is to watch for how the illness behaves. Flu tends to come on and then plateau, but meningitis often escalates, pain worsens, alertness drops, and the person just seems “not right.” Trust that instinct. If someone is unusually hard to wake, struggling to focus, or complaining of unbearable discomfort, that’s not a typical hangover or mild viral illness.”

What are the biggest risk factors for MenB?

MenB is spread by prolonged, close contact with an infected person. Researchers have identified that smoking, and living in ‘closed’ or ‘semi-closed’ communities such as university halls or military barracks, are among the biggest risk factors.

What’s the difference between Meningitis B and MenB?

Although the terms may be used interchangeably, there is a difference.

MenB is the bacteria

Meningitis B is the illness caused by the infection

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis B is the more severe form and requires urgent medical attention. It’s caused by the MenB bacteria entering the bloodstream.

How is MenB spread?

Transmission occurs through direct contact with an infected person's saliva or bodily fluids. Common forms of transmission include kissing, or sharing things like drinks or vapes.

Around 1 in 4 young people carry the meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats, and social environments increase the risk of spread.

Who has had the Meningitis B vaccine?

Infants born after September 2015 receive the MenB vaccine as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. Three doses are given at ages 2 months, 4 months and 12 months.

I’ve had a meningitis vaccine, am I protected?

The MenB vaccine is called Bexsero or Trumenba.

It’s primarily given to children under the ages of one, and four, as these are deemed to be the most at risk.

If you had a meningitis vaccine before 2015, or you’ve received a meningitis vaccine and you were over 4 years old, it was likely the MenACWY vaccine. This vaccine protects against Meningitis strains A, C, W and Y.

The MenACWY jab does not protect against MenB.