Meningitis -
symptom check

Who gets meningitis? It is more common in certain age groups including:

• Newborn babies
• Children under 10 years of age
• 18-19 year age group

• Flu-like illness which comes on very quickly
• High temperature
• Severe headache
• Being sick
• Stiff neck
• Aching muscles and joints.

• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Lights hurting their eyes
• Fits
• Rash – this will only be present if there is infection in the blood (septicaemia). It is a red colour and may start off looking like tiny pin pricks which progress to looking like a bruise. If you press on the rash with a glass it does not disappear.

• Uncontrollable crying, or a high pitched, moaning cry
• Refusing feeds or vomiting
• High temperature with cold hands and feet
• Blotchy skin, getting paler or turning blue
• Pin prick rash marks or purple bruising on the body
• Stiff body with jerky movements and arching neck or the opposite, floppy and lifeless
• Very sleepy/staring expression/difficulty arousing your baby
• Tense or bulging soft spot on baby’s head

What should I do if I suspect my child has meningitis?

• Acting quickly saves lives.
• If you are concerned you should call your doctor right away.
• This can either be your GP or your nearest A&E department.

For help and advice contact the meningitis help line on 080 8800 3344. This is operated by trained staff and nurses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For more information see:
What is meningitis.