Flu, hangover or meningitis? - Look out for your mate

The important thing to know is that meningitis and septicaemia can develop very rapidly, sometimes within a matter of hours.

You may have had the MenC vaccine that protects against meningitis C but there are other bacteria that cause meningitis and septicaemia. They are spread by coughing, sneezing or direct contact such as kissing. Outbreaks are more likely to occur in places where people live or work closely together in large groups.