Viral Meningitis - Registered Charities - Fundraising Charities - Bacterial Meningitis

Meningitis UK is one of three main registered charities in the UK relating to meningitis; however, we are the leading meningitis charity solely focused on research into a vaccine. We are one of many fund raising charities, but the money raised by us all goes toward meningitis prevention. There are two main types of meningitis - bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis.

Viral meningitis is the less serious of the two, and although it can be very unpleasant for the sufferer, most people recover fully. Viral meningitis tends to appear in summer months with flu like symptoms, as antibiotics can’t be used to treat the virus, rest and recuperation is needed. Meningococcal meningitis is the most common form of bacterial meningitis and can develop rapidly. Babies and children are particularly at risk and treatment will consist of antibiotics; however some forms can be protected against via routine vaccines such as Hib, MenC and PCV. Up to 95% of people with meningococcal meningitis make a full recovery if treatment is given promptly

Meningococcal septicaemia has a higher fatality rate with the recovery rate being just 50 – 80%; it is a type of blood poisoning. The meningitis rash associated with meningococcal septicaemia is caused by the bacteria damaging the blood vessels which allows for the blood to leak out under the skin which then results in a rash. By being a registered charity, Meningitis UK is able to accept donations in order to raise money to try and combat this infection and find a vaccine. Being a fund raising charity is a way to bring people together with a common interest and goal while trying to achieve our mission of finding a vaccination to combat this killer disease.