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/toddlers may 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
• Very cold hands and feet
• Rapid breathing
• Red/purple spots that don’t fade
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps
• Fever.