The Symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis and septicaemia symptoms can appear in any order, but usually begin with fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell – i.e. mild illness.

Usually, these are followed by painful limbs, cold hands and feet and pale or mottled skin. Serious symptoms, neck stiffness, drowsiness or confusion and rash, may not appear until later.

In babies, other symptoms include irritability, a high pitched or moaning cry, refusing feeds and a bulging soft spot on the head.

On dark skin, remember to check paler and more ‘inaccessible’ areas, such as inside the eyelids, the roof of the mouth, above the hairline, palms, soles and stomach.

You should know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. In some cases, acting quickly to get medical help can mean the difference between life and death.

Remember, symptoms may sometimes develop slowly, but the person can become ill very quickly.