Meningitis stories

As the anniversary of his viral meningitis diagnosis approaches, Kris has shared his story as part of Viral Meningitis Week to help raise awareness of the disease and its after-effects

After developing symptoms including a severe headache, sickness and light sensitivity, Hannah was diagnosed with viral meningitis - what she calls "one of the scariest experiences of her life"

58-year-old Bernard woke up on a life support machine, nine days after being sent home from hospital with a diagnosis of measles. He had contracted meningococcal septicaemia and was lucky to be alive

Despite her physical recovery, Lucy has been left with a number of after-effects after contracting MenC, including short-term memory issues and survivor guilt

Doctors initially thought Jade had a kidney infection when she became ill with a severe headache and aching muscles, but once in hospital she was diagnosed with viral meningitis

Miranda struggled to access medical help that she desperately needed when she became ill in August this year. She has now been left with severe after-effects of meningococcal meningitis

Neil was on holiday when he started acting out of character, and within days he had developed severe headaches, light sensitivity, anxiety and confusion

Against the odds, Susan pulled through her bacterial meningitis experience, but it has left her with a number of after-effects including the partial loss of two fingers

When Nikki was discharged from hospital after being diagnosed with viral meningitis, she hadn't realised she would continue to feel unwell

Suman was suffering with constant headaches, until one day he began vomiting violently. Two lumbar punctures later, it was confirmed that he had meningococcal meningitis

Five weeks after being diagnosed with viral meningitis, Kristof is struggling with after-effects such as fatigue and pressure in his head

Aaron had what he thought was the flu, but as his symptoms worsened he made his way to hospital. Now, with the after-effects of viral meningitis, he is adapting to a new way of life

Ben contracted meningococcal septicaemia during the first few weeks of his first year at uni, in November 2019. He had his MenACWY vaccination, but was struck down with MenB

Laura still suffers from debilitating migraines a year after contracting viral meningitis, but she is taking recovery one day at a time

Lel's recent experience of bacterial meningitis is a timely reminder of us all to keep meningitis in mind

Ayesha was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis when she was 17. She has been left with a number of after-effects. Despite this she is not letting it stop her achieving her goals.

Tammy contracted meningococcal (meningitis) Y at age 32, she suffered life-changing after-effects, but has come out fighting.

Lynne was diagnosed with viral meningitis last year, after she suffered a blinding headache, lost her balance and collapsed. Thankfully, with support from Meningitis Now, she is making a good recovery

Imogen had a severe headache and was slurring her speech. She rang her mum, who insisted she phone 111 before rushing round to take her to A&E, where meningitis was diagnosed

When Rebecca's migraine medication didn't touch the severe headache she had, she knew something wasn't right. Her GP sent her to A&E, where she was diagnosed with viral meningitis