Symptoms in toddlers
Tot Watch - information for parents and other carers of young children
Know the symptoms
Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise at first. Symptoms can appear in any order, but the first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell, just like in many mild illnesses.
The 'red flag' symptoms often appear earlier than meningitis symptoms like neck stiffness and dislike of light, and before the more serious symptoms
The darker pictures indicate serious symptoms
Septicaemia
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Fever/vomiting |
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Limb / joint / muscle pain |
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Cold hands and feet / shivering |
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Pale or mottled skin |
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Breathing fast / breathless |
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Rash (anywhere on the body) |
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Very sleepy / vacant / difficult to wake |
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Confused / delirious |
Meningitis
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Fever/vomiting |
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Severe headache |
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Stiff neck
(Less common in young children) |
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Dislike of bright lights
(Less common in young children) |
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Very sleepy / vacant / difficult to wake |
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Confused / delirious |
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Rash (anywhere on the body)
(Not present in all cases) |
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Seizures |
- Not everyone gets all these symptoms
- Septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis
Other symptoms in toddlers and babies:
- Refusing to eat/feed
- Irritable, not wanting to be held/touched
- A stiff body, with jerky movements, or floppy, unable to stand up
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Babies and tiny tots may also have:
- A tense or bulging soft spot on the head (fontanelle)
- A high pitched or moaning cry
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What should I do if I am worried about my toddler?
Trust your instincts. If you think your toddler has meningitis or septicaemia get medical help immediately.
You could show the doctor, nurse or paramedic a print out of this page and tell them you're worried it might be meningitis or septicaemia.
Tumbler Test
If your toddler is ill and gets a rash, do the 'Tumbler Test'. Check for spots over your child's whole body.
If a glass tumbler is pressed firmly against a septicaemic rash, the marks will not fade. You will be able to see the marks through the glass. If this happens, get medical help immediately.
Picture courtesy Prof P Brandtzaeg
Watch out for tiny red or brown pin prick marks, which can change into larger red or purple blotches or blood blisters.
The rash can be harder to see on dark skin, so check for spots especially on paler areas like palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the stomach, inside the eyelids and on the roof of the mouth.
Remember, a very ill child needs medical help even if there are only a few spots, a rash or no rash at all.
Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours
Meningitis is the swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.
Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same germs that cause meningitis.
There are many forms of meningitis and septicaemia. Some forms are more common than others.
What is the risk to my child?
Children under five are most at risk of meningitis and septicaemia.
Fortunately, most children have natural resistance and vaccines give excellent protection against some forms.
To find out more about vaccines contact your health worker or GP surgery, or call Meningitis Research Foundation's Freefone 24 hour helpline.
But remember, we don't have vaccines to prevent all forms.
That's why it's vital to know the symptoms and know what to do if you suspect your toddler has meningitis or septicaemia.
What should I look for?
Look out for the symptoms shown on this page.
Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise in the early stages because the first symptoms are just like many mild childhood diseases.
The red flag symptoms shown on this page are often the next to appear - in an unwell child, these are a sign of early septicaemia.
A child with the most common form of meningitis or septicaemia will usually get ill quickly and get worse fast, so check your unwell toddler often, including during the night.
It is important to look for a rash. Many things can cause a rash, such as allergies and viruses, but if you see the tell-tale marks of septicaemia, get medical help right away.
However, with the less common forms of meningitis and septicaemia there may be no rash, so do not wait for a rash to appear if you are worried about an unwell child showing other symptoms.
Page last updated 01.02.07