Seven illnesses meningitis is often mistaken for

In the wake of several high-profile meningitis outbreaks in the UK, Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor, outlines seven common illnesses that meningitis can initially be confused with and explains how these overlaps can delay diagnosis and put patients’ lives at risk.

Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, says one of the biggest dangers with meningitis is that its early symptoms, such as fever, headaches, nausea and fatigue, often closely resemble less serious conditions like flu or migraines, which tends to hamper recognition.

Dr Grant said: ‘Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that requires urgent medical treatment.

‘One of the challenges with the condition is that its early symptoms can look very similar to several common illnesses, particularly in the early stages of infection. This can make it difficult for people to immediately recognise the severity of what they are experiencing.’

He has outlined seven common illnesses that can sometimes resemble meningitis symptoms and highlighted the warning signs – such as neck stiffness, confusion, light sensitivity or symptoms that rapidly worsen – that should not be ignored.

1.Influenza

Dr Grant said that ‘influenza is one of the most common illnesses that meningitis can be mistaken for early on.’

While both meningitis and influenza can cause fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea and muscle aches, Dr Grant notes that meningitis symptoms typically worsen rapidly and may involve warning signs such as neck stiffness, confusion or sensitivity to light.

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2. Severe migraine

‘Severe migraines can also resemble meningitis symptoms due to the intense headaches, nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity they cause,’ said the GP.

Migraine sufferers may, therefore, initially assume they are experiencing a typical episode. However, if symptoms occur alongside fever, confusion or neck stiffness, medical attention should be sought urgently.

3. Gastroenteritis

‘Gastroenteritis may also cause symptoms that overlap with meningitis, particularly nausea, vomiting, fever and general fatigue’ said Dr Grant.

Consequently, before neurological symptoms develop, early meningitis symptoms may be mistaken for a digestive illness

Importantly, he highlighted that gastroenteritis usually involves diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort.

4. Covid and other viral respiratory infections

Viral illnesses such as COVID-19 or other respiratory infections can cause headaches, fever, fatigue and body aches, which can make early meningitis symptoms less obvious.

‘While most viral infections resolve on their own,’ Dr Grant said, ‘meningitis symptoms often escalate quickly and require urgent medical care.’

5. Sinusitis

‘Sinus infections can cause severe headaches, facial pressure, fever and fatigue, which may resemble the early stages of meningitis,’ said the GP.

‘However, meningitis is more likely to include neurological symptoms such as neck stiffness, sensitivity to light and confusion.’

6. Encephalitis

Dr Grant also highlighted encephalitis as a condition with overlapping symptoms.

‘Encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain, can present with similar symptoms to meningitis including fever, headaches, confusion and sensitivity to light’ he noted.

‘Because both conditions affect the brain and nervous system, distinguishing between them typically requires medical tests.’

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7. Hangover

Dr Grant said: ‘Interestingly, meningitis symptoms in young adults are sometimes mistaken for hangovers or what is often referred to as “fresher’s flu”, particularly in university settings where fatigue, headaches and nausea may seem routine.’

When distinguishing the two, he noted that ‘meningitis can progress extremely quickly, so persistent symptoms or sudden deterioration should never be ignored.’

Dr Grant concluded: ‘Overall, while many common illnesses may initially resemble meningitis, the condition tends to progress quickly and may involve warning signs such as a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, sensitivity to light or a rash that does not fade when pressed.

He emphasised: ‘If meningitis is suspected at any point, it is crucial to seek urgent medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes and can be lifesaving.’

Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Infections can be fatal or result in serious disability, brain damage, or require amputation.

Caroline Hughes, support services manager for Meningitis Research Foundation, said: 'Meningitis is a serious, life-threatening illness that can kill healthy people within hours. Vaccination is the best form of protection we have against the most common, severe causes of meningitis. Immunisation has dramatically reduced cases of meningitis throughout the world. But vaccines do not protect against all causes of meningitis, so it’s important to be able to recognise the symptoms.

'Early symptoms of meningitis can look very similar to milder, more common infections, making them easy to mistake for colds, the flu, Covid or even a hangover. Not everyone will experience all the symptoms and they can appear in any order. That is why it’s vital to know the signs, so you can get medical treatment fast. Trust your instincts - if someone is unwell, getting worse fast, and you suspect meningitis, don’t wait. Seek medical advice immediately. It could save a life.'

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Recent outbreaks in Kent, Dorset, and Reading have resulted in multiple infections and three deaths in young people since March of this year.

Consequently, it was announced today (12 June) that a one-off meningococcal B disease vaccination programme will be rolled out in a number of pharmacies and offered to all year 13 pupils, and to those younger than 25 starting university or residential further education for the first time this autumn.