Red flags
If a child has symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning), they need urgent medical attention. Early symptoms of meningitis are similar to flu. Other symptoms include:
- A stiff neck
- A bad headache
- Dislike of bright lights
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness/reduced responsiveness
- Convulsions/fits
- A rash
- Babies and toddlers may also refuse to eat, not want to be touched or held, have a tense or bulging fontanelle, have a stiff body with jerky movements or be floppy.
Signs of septicaemia include:
- Reduced responsiveness
- Severe pains in arms, legs and joints
- Abnormally cold to touch
- Rapid breathing
- Rash that doesn’t fade when you press it
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps
- Fever
- Looks mottled, blush or pale.