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: