Young lives have sadly been lost in the 2026 Kent meningitis outbreak. An “unprecedented” cluster centred on the University of Kent, linked to a Canterbury nightclub, and rapidly spreading through student halls and social mixing.

In this timely and hard-hitting podcast episode, Jonny is joined by Intensivists Martin Beed, Peter Brindley (authors of the new primer on infectious meningitis and encephalitis in the Journal of the Intensive Care Society), and Andrew Conway-Morris.

They explore the UK government’s targeted MenB vaccination program for university students and affected schools, the critical importance of early clinical suspicion and prompt antibiotic administration, transmission risks in nightclubs and social settings (including behaviors like vaping), and lessons from past UK and global outbreaks.

The discussion also covers practical public education, healthcare worker resources including useful infographics. The discussion stresses the need for high vigilance, rapid treatment, vaccination where appropriate, and support for public and family mental health during outbreaks.

Packed with actionable clinical guidance and real-world takeaways, this episode is essential listening for healthcare professionals, students, parents, and anyone wanting to understand how to spot, treat, and prevent this devastating disease.

This episode features Sheldon Cheskes discussing advanced defibrillation techniques, including double sequential defibrillation, vector change, and the importance of early intervention in refractory VF.

Gain insights into recent trials, practical protocols, and the impact on neurological outcomes.

Key topics

1. Double sequential defibrillation (DSD)
2. Vector change and pad positioning in defibrillation
3. Timing and dosing of medications in VF
4. Impact of early intervention on neurological outcomes
5. Recent clinical trials: Dose VF and EpiDose

Further Reading:

Defibrillation Strategies for Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation

In this conversation, Peter Brindley and Timothy Caulfield discuss the critical importance of science communication in the face of misinformation and the challenges posed by predatory journals. They explore the societal impact of vaccines, the misuse of scientific terms for marketing purposes (scienceploitation), and the illusions surrounding science, goodness, and opinion. The discussion emphasizes the need for humility in science, the pressures researchers face, and the responsibility of all individuals to advocate for accurate scientific information.

Lessons:

We all have to speak up for science.

Science is a process, not a list of facts.

There is pressure to publish, leading to predatory journals.

Vaccines are one of the most successful biomedical interventions.

Science is often misused as clickbait.

Terms like 'natural' have become meaningless in marketing.

You can't really boost your immune system; it's about maintaining health.

The wellness industry has significant conflicts of interest.

The opinion illusion shows how we are manipulated by online reviews.

Trillions of dollars depend on the credibility of online reviews.