Meningitis: Learn first aid 

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an illness where the linings that surround the brain and spinal cord swell up. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and can happen to anyone at any age.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis

The person may have:

• flu-like symptoms
• a headache
• a high temperature
• complain of a stiff neck
• be sensitive to light

For babies, they may:

• let out a high-pitched cry
• refuse feeds
• be floppy and unresponsive
• the baby's soft part on their head (the fontanelle) may be hard or bulging

Read specific first aid advice for babies and children who may have meningitis.

First aid steps for someone who has suspected meningitis

1. If you observe any of these symptoms and suspect meningitis, call 999.

Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear before seeking medical help. A person with meningitis can deteriorate very quickly. It is potentially very serious and needs immediate attention.

2. Check the person for signs of a rash.

On darker skin tones checker lighter parts of their body, like palm of hands or inner eyelids. Do not wait for a rash to appear before calling 999.

3. Give them constant reassurance while you wait for the ambulance.  

Matthew's experience with bacterial meningitis will help you identify meningeal infection signs (such as fever or high temperature, headache, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms), and when to call 999.

Frequently asked questions about first aid for someone who may have meningitis

Should I wait for all the symptoms to appear before calling 999?

No, you should call 999 as soon as you suspect it may be meningitis. Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear. Without immediate treatment, meningitis can cause permanent damage.

How do I check whether a rash is a sign of meningitis?

Rashes usually appear in the later stages of meningitis and sometimes do not appear at all.

If the person has a rash, press the side of a clear glass against their skin. Most rashes will fade when pressed. If you can still see the rash through the glass, it may be meningitis.

Call 999 as soon as possible if you suspect meningitis but they do not have a rash. Do not wait for a rash to appear before you call 999.

What does the rash look like?

The rash is made up of small red or purple “pin prick” spots that may spread to look like fresh bruising. The rash can be more difficult to see on dark skin.

The rash will not disappear when a glass is pressed against it.

Rashes usually appear in the later stages of meningitis and sometimes do not appear at all.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication that can happen when the body is fighting an infection, causing damage to tissues and organs. There are many causes of sepsis, including one of which is meningitis. It is usually older people or young children who are affected, although it can affect anyone, especially people with weakened immune systems. Signs of sepsis include many of the signs of meningitis and can also include feeling breathless or breathing very fast, speech becoming slurred or confused, and not passing urine all day (or no recent wet nappies in young children). If you suspect sepsis in someone of any age or if you are unsure, call 999.

Will the symptoms be different for a baby?

Babies may have any of the typical signs and symptoms of meningitis, including:

• flu-like symptoms
• a headache
• a stiff neck
• a rash
• sensitivity to light
• a high temperature.

They may also have a high-pitched cry or become floppy. The soft part on the top of their head (the fontanelle) may bulge or become hard.

For more information on meningitis, visit the NHS website. During life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergency medical help, call 111.

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