Meningitis And Septicaemia – Do You Know The Signs?
As a mum I always got confused about the differences between Meningitis and Septicaemia. And when I teach Paediatric First Aid courses, this is one of the most common things I get asked about.
Meningitis and septicaemia are responsible for the deaths of more children under 5 in the UK than any other infectious disease. If you have even the slightest concern that your child, or a child you are responsible for, may be affected, then you must seek urgent medical assistance.
Meningitis and septicaemia often occur together. Septicaemia (another name for blood poisoning) refers to a bacterial infection of the blood caused by meningitis.
Signs and symptoms are as follows:
- A blotchy rash
- Fever, cold hands and feet
- Vomiting or refusing food
- Drowsy floppy and difficult to wake
- Neck stiffness, dislike to bright lights
- Seizures/ convulsions
- Tense bulging fontanelle (a space between the bones of the skull in an infant) or severe headache
- Muscle pain or unusual crying or moaning
The rash may not necessarily appear first. But if the child is already ill and a rash or spots appear, then use the Tumbler Test. Press a clear glass tumbler firmly against the rash. If the rash doesn’t disappear and you can still see the marks clearly through the glass, seek urgent medical help immediately.
But remember, don’t wait for a rash to appear. If any of the other symptoms are present, call for medical help.
Keeping First Aid simple,
Michelle
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Meningitis And Septicaemia – Do You Know The Signs?
