Know the symptoms
Common early symptoms of meningitis vary depending on a person’s age – they can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. They are very similar to a lot of other conditions so if you're unsure, follow your instincts and seek medical advice as soon as you can.
Symptoms of meningitis in babies and toddlers (under 5 years)1,2
Early symptoms (may appear in any order or not at all)
- Fever
- Fever with cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Headache
Later symptoms (may appear in any order or not at all)
- Rapid breathing or grunting
- Tense, bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head)
- Unusual cry, moaning
- Neck stiffness
- Dislike of bright lights
- Convulsions/seizures
- Pale blotchy skin, spots or a rash that does not fade under pressure (this can be a sign of septicaemia)
- Refusing food
- Drowsy, floppy, unresponsive
Symptoms of meningitis in children, teenagers, young adults and adults1,2
Early symptoms (may appear in any order or not at all)
- Fever
- Fever with cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Headache
Later symptoms (may appear in any order or not at all)
- Dislike of bright lights
- Convulsions/seizures
- Drowsy, difficult to wake
- Stiff neck
- Confusion and irritability
- Pale blotchy skin, spots or a rash that does not fade under pressure (this can be a sign of septicaemia)
Do not wait for a rash that does not fade under pressure. This can be a sign of septicaemia (blood poisoning), which normally happens once bacterial meningitis has taken hold.Seek help immediately if this type of rash appears.1
If you see a rash, do the glass test. Press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly onto the rash, spots or bruises. If it is septicaemia, they will not fade.
Call 999
Go to your nearest A&E
Call NHS 111 or your GP surgery
References
NHS Meningitis website: Symptoms. Accessed April 2024.
Meningitis Now website: Meningitis symptoms in babies & toddlers/children/teenagers and young people. Accessed April 2024.
