Meningitis is a serious disease, which can affect anyone at anytime.? Although uncommon, it can strike unexpectedly, especially in babies and children. The speed at which people become ill, and the dramatic and sometimes devastating course of events make it an alarming disease. In the absence of vaccines against all types of meningitis, the best defence against it is knowledge ? knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms so that you can get urgent medical help as early as possible.
Meningitis kills more children under 5 years of age in the UK than any other infectious disease, however a CCB fast. Map survey* revealed that half of all parents questioned could name three symptoms of meningitis ? the disease they fear most according to a Department of Health study ? and 8% could not name a single symptom of the disease.
Sue Davies, chief executive of the Meningitis Trust says: “We believe that a happy family is a healthy one, where parents are well-informed of the risks to their children and know how to minimise these risks where possible.”
Children and particularly babies are more susceptible to meningitis because their immune systems are not fully developed. If the bacteria invade their body, their immune system cannot provide resistance to fight off infection.
Every year there are at least 1,500 reported cases in the under 16s, although experts estimate that there are actually twice as many cases in the UK. So, parents need to be vigilant and trust their instincts if they think something is wrong.
Meningitis is not always easy to spot at first. Initially, the signs and symptoms may be similar to a number of other non life-threatening childhood infections, for example, an ear infection or flu.
What are the first signs of meningitis?
- fever – possibly with cold hands and feet
- nausea and vomiting
- irritability,
- poor appetite/refusing to feed
- general tiredness and lethargy.
We can all forget things, and sometimes when you are busy running around kids, and working, you may not always get a chance to look at these symptoms as a warning sign, before it causes harm.
The Meningitis Trust is giving a free signs and symptoms card to keep in your wallet or purse, or just for more information. Call the Meningitis Trust?s 24-hour, nurse-led helpline on 0800 028 18 28 or visit the Trust?s website at www.meningitis-trust.org.
It is important to remember that the symptoms may develop slowly over a couple of days, but deterioration can be quick. Symptoms do not appear in any order and some may not appear at all. If in doubt, get urgent medical help.
Common symptoms in babies
- Fever, possibly with cold hands and feet
- Refusing feeds or vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea
- High-pitched cry
- Stiff neck, arched back
- Blank, staring expression
- Pale, blotchy complexion
- Baby may be floppy and may dislike being handled
- Drowsy or difficult to wake
Common symptoms in children
- Fever possibly with cold hands and feet
- Vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea
- Headache
- Neck stiffness (unable to touch the chin to the chest)
- Joint or muscle pains, sometimes stomach cramps
- Dislike of bright lights
- Drowsiness or confusion
Both children and babies may develop a rash (septicaemia) that doesn?t fade under pressure. If this appears, urgent medical assistance must be sought. Do not wait for the rash though, as it may not appear at all.
For more information visit the Meningitis Trust?s website, www.meningitis-trust.org, or call 0800 028 18 28