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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.
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