Meningitis: The Symptoms You Need To Look Out For
[Photo: Just Giving/Charlene Reed]
A petition calling for all children to be vaccinated against meningitis has attracted huge support after a toddler died from the infection on Valentine’s Day.
The toddler’s mother, Jenny Burdett, from Maidstone, Kent, shared harrowing pictures of her daughter Faye (above) in hospital and it has prompted more than 400,000 people to back the campaign.
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges - the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
There are two types of meningitis - viral and the more serious bacterial and the symptoms usually begin suddenly and get worse rapidly.
It can be passed on through close contact, and babies and young children are most vulnerable - so what should you look out for?
Symptoms can include:
A high fever with cold hands and feet.
Vomiting and refusal to feed.
Being agitated and not wanting to be picked up.
Becoming drowsy, floppy and unresponsive.
Grunting or breathing rapidly.
An unusual high-pitched or moaning cry.
A tense, bulging soft spot on their head.
A stiff neck and dislike of bright lights.
Convulsions or seizures.
A red rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it is another sign, although not everybody develops this.
In older children, adults and teenagers, the symptoms can also include confusion and irritability and severe muscle pain.
Most people with viral meningitis have flu-like symptoms, and in more severe cases may experience neck stiffness, muscle or joint pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea and sensitivity to light.
More information can be found on the NHS website.
