What are the symptoms of meningitis? How do you know if someone has meningitis or septicaemia (sepsis)? Get expert advice on recognizing the signs and when to seek medical help.

Understanding Meningitis and Septicaemia

Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that involves the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. Septicaemia, on the other hand, is a blood poisoning condition caused by the same germs that can lead to meningitis. Septicaemia is also known as sepsis and can occur with or without the presence of meningitis. Both conditions can progress rapidly, so it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia

The main symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include:

• Fever and/or vomiting
• Severe headache
• Limb, joint, or muscle pain (sometimes with stomach pain or diarrhea)
• Cold hands and feet, shivering
• Pale or mottled skin
• Fast or difficult breathing
• Rash (anywhere on the body)
• Stiff neck (less common in young children)
• Dislike of bright lights (less common in young children)
• Very sleepy, vacant, or difficult to wake
• Confused or delirious
• Seizures (fits)

When to Seek Medical Help

If you suspect someone has meningitis or septicaemia, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. These conditions can become life-threatening very quickly, so trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to contact a health professional. The key is to act fast, as the first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache, and feeling unwell.

Red Symptoms: High-Risk, Require Immediate Action

If the person, especially a baby under three months, has any of the following symptoms, go to the hospital or call for an ambulance immediately:

• Temperature over 38°C in babies under three months
• Very fast breathing, finding it much harder to breathe than normal, or noticeable pauses in breathing
• Very lethargic, difficult to wake, or not responding
• Fitting, convulsing, or seizures
• Weak, high-pitched, or continuous crying in a younger child
• Confusion or unusually irritable
• Bulging soft spot on a baby’s head
• Stiff neck, especially when trying to look up and down
• Unusually sleepy, stiff, or floppy baby
• Blue skin, lips, or tongue
• Very pale or mottled skin
• A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
• Not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours or more
• Very thirsty and not able to keep fluids down
• Bloody or black ‘coffee ground’ sick

Amber Symptoms: Medium-Risk, Require Professional Medical Advice

If the person has any of these amber symptoms, call your local medical professional support (in the UK, NHS 111 or your doctor) without delay:

• Temperature over 39°C in babies aged three to six months
• High temperature in a child who shows no other signs of being unwell
• Headache that is severe and not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Persistent vomiting, unable to keep fluids down
• Limb or joint pain, especially with stomach pain or diarrhea
• Shivering or shaking, with or without fever
• Pale, blotchy, or ashen-colored skin
• Rapid breathing, but not severe
• Irritability or confusion

Seeking Medical Help for Young Infants

Young infants, especially those under eight weeks old, are particularly vulnerable to serious infections. If your baby has a combination of any of the following symptoms, with or without a fever, seek urgent medical help:

• Persistent refusal to feed
• Lethargic or excessively sleepy
• Irritable
• Stiff or floppy body
• Weak, high-pitched, or continuous cry
• Grunting
• Bulging soft spot on the baby’s head

Remember, as a parent or caregiver, you know your child best. If your child is ill and getting worse, don’t hesitate to seek medical help immediately, even if you have already seen a doctor.

Recognizing the Urgency

Meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) can progress rapidly and become life-threatening. By recognizing the symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly, you can increase the chances of a successful treatment and recovery. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to act quickly if you suspect these serious conditions.