Symptoms
The early symptoms of meningitis can appear similar to ‘flu’ or an upset stomach:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting and/or Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
- Fever with cold hands and feet
Other common signs and symptoms that develop include:
- Drowsy or difficult to wake
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Convulsions or seizures
- Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test)
The rash is commonly associated with meningitis but may not develop in all cases.
See the Meningitis Now1 short videos for more about meningitis symptoms in both adults and babies and toddlers:
Did you know2…..
- One in four 15-19 year olds carry the meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicemia in their throats
- There are five main groups of meningococcal bacteria, Men A, B, C, W and Y
- Not all carriers become ill – in most instances this will boost your natural immunity
- These bacteria can be passed on through intimate kissing or by coughing and sneezing
- Men W cases have increased – with a rise among university students