Symptoms Checker for Toddlers

Meningitis and septicaemia - higher risk for young children.

The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.

Other signs in Toddlers

• Tense or bulging soft spot on their head

• Refusing to feed

• Irritable when picked up, with a high pitched or moaning cry

• A stiff body with jerky movements, or else floppy and lifeless

• Fever is often absent in babies less than three months of age
   

Things to remember

• Don't wait for the rash as it doesn't always appear

• Not everyone gets all of these symptoms

• Symptoms can appear in any order

• Septicemia can occur with or without meningitis.

• Your know your child best; check on them often, trust your instincts and act fast

What are meningitis and septicaemia?

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord – the meninges. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same germs and is the more life threatening form of the disease. Septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis.

What should I do if I am worried about someone who is ill?

Trust your instincts. Someone who has meningitis or septicaemia could become seriously ill very quickly. Get medical help immediately if you suspect meningitis or septicaemia - it's a race against time.