Smokers at higher risk from meningitis
10 March 2009
On national No Smoking Day - 11 March - national charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is reminding all smokers of the dangers of meningitis and septicaemia. Research funded by MRF has shown that smokers are more susceptible to picking up and passing on the bacteria that cause meningitis.
Studies from around the world have established that exposure to cigarette smoke increases a child's risk of getting meningitis and septicaemia. In teenagers, two major studies funded by MRF in the last ten years have linked smoking with meningococcal disease (the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK). The first was a study of students at the University of Nottingham, and the second, conducted at University College London, investigated teenagers across six English health regions.
MRF encourages people to stop smoking and reduce the risk of picking up and transmitting bacteria which can cause meningitis. Once a person quits, the body's ability to fight off infection begins to recover, with important aspects of the immune system returning to normal after six weeks.
MRF Chief Executive Christopher Head commented: "Studies have shown that smokers are more prone to acquiring bacteria which can cause meningitis and septicaemia. On national No Smoking Day, MRF encourages smokers to make a change and quit. Besides the obvious health benefits, it will reduce the risk of harbouring bacteria which can cause meningitis."
Chris continues: "It's important to remember that non-smokers can also harbour the bacteria which cause meningitis and septicaemia - one in ten of us carries these germs. Meningitis can strike anyone at any time. It is vital to be aware of the symptoms, as recognising them early can save lives."
For support and information about meningitis and septicaemia, call MRF's Freefone 24-hour helpline - 080 8800 3344. For symptoms information via SMS text message, text MRF to 82088 (costs one standard text plus data download charge).
To get help quitting smoking, phone the NHS free smoking helpline - 0800 022 4 332 - or visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree
Media Contact:
Harpinder Collacott (Meningitis Research Foundation) 01454 281811 or 07711 057875
Notes to Editor:
Links to research papers:
- University of Nottingham: Neal KR, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, Jeffrey N, Slack RC, Madeley RJ, Ait-Tahar K, Job K, Wale MC, Ala'Aldeen DA. Changing carriage rate of Neisseria meningitidis among university students during the first week of term: cross sectional study. BMJ. 2000; 320(7238): 846-9. Link:/research/public-information/completedresearch/details?contentid=21617
- University College London: Coen PG, Tully J, Stuart JM, Ashby D, Viner RM, Booy R. Is it exposure to cigarette smoke or to smokers, which increases the risk ofmeningococcal disease in teenagers? Int J Epidemiol. 2006 Apr;35(2):330-6. Epub 2006 Jan
Link: /research/public-information/completedresearch/details?contentid=14789 - Meningitis Research Foundation is currently funding 22 research projects into the prevention, detection and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia. The Foundation has spent £14.8 million on research since its inception in 1989.
- Meningitis Research Foundation operates a Freefone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - providing information on meningitis and septicaemia to the general public and health professionals.
- Information on meningitis and septicaemia is also available on this website in 22 languages. An interpretation service in 150 languages is available through the 24-hour helpline.
- The Foundation offers support for those affected by meningitis and septicaemia. Trained helpline staff are available 365 days a year. A befriender service links people with experience of meningitis and septicaemia to share their experiences and counsel each other.