Living with the after-effects of meningitis

Firstly, what is meningitis?

Depending on the type, it’s a bacterial or viral infection that affects the brain and spinal cord and can have devastating consequences for an individual and their loved ones.

What can be done to improve understanding in the workplace?

In 2013 the TUC provided an overview of meningitis in the workplace. Building upon this, I’m offering my own experiences and tips.

Effects that I’ve noticed post-meningitis – and how you should respond to someone in my situation

• My concentration levels have decreased – which is perfectly understandable after your body has been fighting an infection that has surrounded the brain. Expect other sufferers’ concentration levels to do the same.

• Due to suffering from Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) – which is a rapid loss of hearing that can be a consequence of this disease – most of the time it’s hard to detect where sounds originate from. So, in a room full of people, it may take me a second or two to scan the room to understand who has spoken. This is often a little longer than colleagues. Also, I have to rely on other senses such as sight to assist with sounds, such as vehicles moving. Whilst I could wear a lanyard or badge, I don’t want to label myself or be treated differently to others. I simply announce that I can’t hear you, so let me change sides so you are talking into my good ear.

• Mild dizziness, speech, and memory problems post infection continue to remain with me. Sometimes, I really do wonder if colleagues, friends, and family think I’m okay or whether I’m under the influence of a substance at work! I can assure you (and them) I’m not, and again this is a normal after-effect of meningitis.

What can employers and colleagues do:

Over and above the standard requirement of having a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan to consider whether an employee can hear the fire alarm, employers and line managers should:

• Use personal risk assessments for those who have suffered from meningitis (or any other health conditions that may result in hearing loss) as a conversation piece to adapt safety measures to the risks within the premises and tasks the employee is involved in. Consider whether there’s any funding for support and assisting the colleague (such as specialist hearing devices).

• Be aware of hidden health conditions. Employees may have contracted meningitis (like me), but colleagues may not necessarily be aware.

• Be mindful of the mental health impact of employees understanding any changes from suffering. It took me two years to grieve for the loss of my hearing.

• Be aware of those employees like me that have suffered from SSHL – particularly those working in noisy environments.

• Colleagues aren’t being ignorant when you’re talking to them – they just may not have heard you. I have found this a lot and have to explain why I haven’t responded when someone interacts with me.

• Allow employees to work flexibly where their role allows. I found in the months of getting back into work, as I couldn’t drive, that working from home was invaluable. I also found that working at quiet desks when in a busy office enabled me to concentrate.

• Raise awareness of good hand hygiene, particularly amongst those working in conditions where they are exposed to different substances on their hands. I’m not entirely sure what caused my body to contract this disease, but this is good practice and may help prevent infections.

• Raise awareness of meningitis signs and symptoms amongst teams. I remember being in the Emergency Department and asking my wife “How do you get meningitis?”. My ignorance was down to my own lack of knowledge. ’ll be raising awareness on 5 October 2025

• You can find great resources to support Meningitis signs and symptoms | Meningitis Now.