Signs & Symptoms

In hindsight, I saw a lot of these symptoms but it wasn't until the rash appeared did I think it may be meningococcal. Unfortunately a lot of the symptoms are dismissed as 'just another virus', always consult your health professional or local hospital if in doubt. And trust your instincts. The symptoms I noticed with Lucas I have marked with (L).

Common Symptoms to BOTH Meningococcal Septicaemia & Meningococcal Meningitis:

• high temperature (which may not go down with medication)
• nausea or vomiting (L)
• lack of energy (L)
• tiredness or drowsiness (L)
• confusion or disorientation
• dizziness
• irritability or agitation
• a sore throat

Signs Specific to Meningococcal Meningitis:

• severe headache
• backache
• stiff or painful neck
• sensitivity to light
• twitching or convulsions

Signs Specific to Meningococcal Septicaemia:

• fever with cold hands & feet (L)
• cold shivers (L)
• pain in muscles or joints (L)
• pain in chest or abdomen
• pale, grey or blotchy skin (L)
• rapid breathing
• diarrhoea
• a rash, which may start off as a spot, scratch or blister, as a faint pink rash or as red or purple pin pricks on the skin that then develops into the distinctive purple bruising. (L)

It is important to note that young children & babies may have less specific symptoms. These may include irritability, difficulty walking or lethargy, refusal to eat & a high pitched cry, bulging soft spot on the top of their head.

You may get some or all of the symptoms & the rash does not always appear or may appear when it is too late - do not wait for the rash, make sure you act early & trust your instincts.

*Please note, I AM NOT a doctor or health professional. The information on this site has been sourced from other websites. This site is about our son's journey through meningococcal - not anyone else's, if you require any information or medical help please contact your local health professional or hospital. We take no responsibility for advice taken from this story, as I said this is OUR story.
We are not affiliated with any websites, charities or hospitals mentioned on here - we just appreciate the work that they do, more than they will ever know.