PARENTS across the country are rejoicing at the news that the long awaited meningitis jab will soon be available for babies.

In September, a vaccination against meningococcal group B (MenB) will be introduced into the country's routine immunisation programme for children.

Also from August, those aged 17 and 18 will be offered a one off vaccine against meningococcal groups ACWY, which protects against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia.

But despite this breakthrough, knowing what symptoms to look out for is essential to receive a quick diagnosis.

Meningitis is usually bacterial or viral — the most serious and life-threatening being bacterial. The NHS says that anyone can get it, although babies and young children under five years of age are most at risk.

Jennie Webster knows all about the killer infection — her husband of just six weeks tragically died after experiencing flu-like symptoms before bruising appeared over his body.

Mrs Webster said: "I'm really glad that the vaccine is finally becoming available but it could have come out a lot sooner in my opinion.

"Meningitis doesn't just affect babies — it affects adults too, like my husband. He was 36. He didn't have the rash — his symptoms were exactly the same as the flu.

"After a few days he went to the walk-in centre and they gave him some tablets. By the time he came home he was covered in bruises all over his body and I knew something wasn't right so I called the ambulance."

Mr Webster, aged 36, was taken to the high dependency unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital and two days later he lost his fight for life.

Mrs Webster said: "I do think that parents especially should be more educated about meningitis and the different strains. The glass test works if you have a rash, but if you don't it's very hard to tell whether it is flu or something worse."

Dr Barry Silvert, Clinical Director of Integrated Commissioning at NHS Bolton CCG, said: "Meningitis B is very aggressive and is most common in children under five years old, particularly babies under the age of one. Initial signs of the infection include a high fever with cold hands and feet, agitation / not wanting to be touched, crying continuously, very sleepy and difficult to wake up, confused and unresponsive, and a blotchy red rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it.

"If left untreated, meningitis B can cause severe brain damage, and it can even be fatal in some cases. I urge all parents to ensure that their newborn children get vaccinated, and to seek immediate medical help if your child is displaying symptoms of the infection.”

BACTERIAL MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS (caused by bacteria and through close contact):

• a fever, with cold hands and feet

• vomiting

• drowsiness and difficulty waking up

• confusion and irritability

• severe muscle pain

• pale, blotchy skin, and a distinctive rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (not everyone will have this)

• a severe headache

• stiff neck

• sensitivity to light

• convulsion or seizures

VIRAL MENINGITIS SYMPTOMS (caused by viruses that can be spread through coughing, sneezing and poor hygiene):

• headaches

• fever

• generally not feeling very well

In more severe cases of viral meningitis, your symptoms may include:

• neck stiffness

• muscle or joint pain

• nausea and vomiting

• diarrhoea

• sensitivity to light