Scots are being warned not to mistake meningitis for swine flu.

As National Meningitis Week gets underway with a launch at the Scottish Parliament, doctors say they are worried patients could be misdiagnosed by medical hotlines.

It follows the death of a patient in England who was told by phoneline operators that they had the H1N1 virus.

Many of the symptoms of meningitis are similar to those caused by the flu, including shivers, fever and limb pain. However, meningitis can also cause light sensitivity and a rash which doesn't fade under pressure.

Babies are much more likely to contract meningitis than adults and one in ten infants with the condition die. Of those who survive, around a quarter are left with effects such as brain damage and deafness.

Helping launch the campaign, MSP Sarah Boyack said: "The figures on baby mortality and long term illness associated with meningitis make it clear that people need to be made aware which symptoms to look out for so that medical help can be sought as quickly as possible. "

The illness can spread rapidly in crowded environments and experts are also warning students to be aware of the symptoms when living in halls of residence.

Emma Henry contracted bacterial meningitis as a 19 year-old studying for her first year university exams.

She said: "I was in a coma, relying on a respirator for three days.  My parents were told to expect the worst. Thankfully I recovered but it was a full year before I felt confident in my recovery and even then I still suffered from ill health.

"When I finally graduated from university I felt so luckily to have achieved that and made the recovery I have.  I feel so lucky and sometimes I find this hard to accept or believe."

Dr Jim McMenamin, Consultant Epidemiologist at Health Protection Scotland, and Chair of Scotland's Meningitis Working Group, said:

"Meningitis and septicaemia can be difficult to recognise in the early stages.  The symptoms usually start like many mild illnesses, with fever, vomiting, headache and feeling generally unwell.  

"More severe symptoms suggestive of the development of meningitis or septicaemia may be the development of a rash that that does not fade with pressure, confusion, drowsiness or seizures.

"Not everyone will have all of the symptoms and they can appear in any order.  But urgent medical treatment is essential so, if you are worried about yourself or one of your friends, call your GP immediately for advice or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24."