Red flags

If a child has symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning), they need urgent medical attention. 

Signs of meningitis include: 

• Flu-like symptoms
• A stiff neck
• A bad headache
• Dislike of bright lights
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness/reduced responsiveness
• Convulsions/fits
• A rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
• Babies/toddlers may refuse to eat, not want to be touched or held, have a tense or bulging fontanelle, a stiff body with jerky movements or be floppy. 

Signs of septicaemia include: 

• Blue, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
• A rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
• Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
• A weak, high-pitched cry that’s not like their normal cry
• Not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
• Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake.