Does my child have meningitis?
Parents are often concerned that a feverish child has meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the coverings of the brain (which are called meninges). It is often caused by viruses but sometimes by bacteria.

Children with meningitis often have a temperature and may complain of a variety of symptoms like sore throat and headache. They are usually unwell and prefer to lie still in bed rather than to be up and about. They may complain of neck pain which may be so severe that they cannot bend to kiss their knees.

One species of bacteria (the meningococcus) causes a form of meningitis which can be more serious than the others. Meningococcal meningitis sometimes progresses to infect the blood stream (an illness we call septicaemia). Children with septicaemia are very unwell and rapidly develop a purplish, bruising rash which does not bleach or disappear when pressed with a glass.

Septicaemia develops very quickly and can cause death, so any child with such a rash should be taken directly to a doctor or casualty department.

Adults: what to do when you have a temperature

• Stay at home in bed - rest will enable you to recover more quickly, and isolation from others will avoid you passing the illness on.
• Keep cool, with plenty of ventilation, wear light clothing. Cover yourself with a sheet (not a duvet) - this will help limit the fever
• Drink plenty of fluids. You will be sweating more because of the fever and you will need to replace the lost fluid.
• Avoid alcohol as this can cause further dehydration
• Take specific medicine on advice from your pharmacist (preparations may contain ibuprofen or paracetamol). Never take paracetamol if you are allergic to it, however, always consult the pharmacist for a suitable alternative.
• Eat little and often. If you don’t feel like eating, sugary drinks are a good alternative. Chocolate and sweets are good sources of the energy your body will need to fight the infection
• If the fever persists for more than three or four days, consult your doctor.

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