20/03/2026
Meningitis🩺
Many of the early signs – vomiting, fever, aches, general tiredness and headaches – are also signs of less serious illnesses like colds and flu. But someone with meningitis will usually become seriously ill in a matter of hours. This is why it is very important to keep checking someone who is ill so you know if they are getting rapidly worse and to keep looking for signs and symptoms.
Seek medical help urgently if you become concerned about their or your own health. It’s important too to look for cold hands and feet, severe limb pain and pale and blotchy skin, as these tend to develop early in the illness.
Symptoms such as a rash that doesn’t fade (do the glass test), being confused or delirious, or too sleepy to wake occur later and are very serious – seek help immediately.
For meningitis, the most important signs to look out for are:
🔴fever
🔴a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)
🔴vomiting
🔴stiff neck
🔴dislike of bright lights
🔴rash
🔴confusion, delirium
🔴severe sleepiness, losing consciousness
🔴seizures
Read about meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Find out about the symptoms, vaccines and treatments.
