Meningitis symptoms

Meningitis and septicaemia can strike with little or no warning, but knowing the symptoms and acting fast can save lives.

Some of the symptoms for meningitis and septicaemia are the same, while others differ. It is important to remember that not everyone gets all of these symptoms and they can appear in any order. In the early stages of both diseases, symptoms can also often appear flu-like.

If you think something is wrong, GO IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR NEAREST GP OR CASUALTY UNIT - FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS AND ACT FAST.

 Meningitis

Classic symptoms:

• a headache
• stiff neck
• dislike of bright light

Other symptoms can include:

• difficulty supporting own weight
• fever
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• confusion and drowsiness

The symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis are the same as meningococcal meningitis.

Meningococcal septicaemia

Common symptoms:

• aching limbs (particularly leg pain)
• cold hands and feet
• a rash which starts like pin prick spots and develops rapidly into purple bruising

Other symptoms may include:

• difficulty supporting own weight
• fever
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• confusion and drowsiness
• difficulty breathing
• change in skin colour

Do the tumbler test

Important: Someone who becomes unwell rapidly should be examined particularly carefully for the meningococcal septicaemia rash. The majority of people (over 50%) withmeningococcal septicaemia develop a rash of tiny ‘pink prick' spots which can rapidly develop into purple bruising. To identify the rash, press a glass tumbler against it and if the rash does not fade, it could be meningococcal septicaemia. On dark skin, check for the rash on lighter parts of the body, eg. inner eyelids or finger tips. 

Babies and toddlers

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other symptoms to look out for in babies include:

• blotchy skin, quite pale or turning blue
• tense or bulging soft spot (fontanelle)on the baby's head
• poor feeding
• high pitched cry/irritable (especially when being held)

It is particularly hard to tell when babies and toddlers are ill and what their symptoms are. Unfortunately, the symptoms in babies do not present in any particular order. In the majority of cases, with babies in particular, you will notice a rapid deterioration in their condition. It is important to trust your instincts - you know your child best. If you suspect anything is wrong, seek medical help immediately by going to your nearest GP or casualty unit.

Sadly, there are occasions when people show no or very few symptoms, which can make spotting the disease incredibly difficult for both families and health professionals. This shows how important it is to develop a vaccine to prevent the disease, which is Meningitis UK's main aim. Please help us in our mission to find avaccine.