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It is a life-threatening condition, but it is treatable if you know what to look for and act quickly. Paediatrician, Dr Kerry Robinson provides a checklist of signs and symptoms
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
Main signs and symptoms – when children can tell you how they feel, look for:
- Flu-like illness which comes on very quickly
- High temperature
- Severe headache
- Being sick
- Stiff neck
- Aching muscles and joints.
Later signs are:
- 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.
It is more difficult to detect in babies. Things to watch out for are:
- 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
Remember, not every symptom needs to be present for a positive diagnosis of meningitis.
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.
The message is DON’T WAIT.
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.
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