Meningitis UK helps saved lives - Please read the start of a recent article on our website - But by the time I had finished my coffee I was in a terrible state. My friend took me to the nearest NHS drop-in centre. I was seen by a nurse who asked if I had a rash. I said "no", so she advised me to go home to bed, drink plenty of water and take some paracetamol. The next few hours are very hazy. I remember shivering under my duvet thinking I had never felt so ill in my life.