Meningitis Symptoms and Suggested Action

What are the symptoms to look for in diagnosing Meningitis?
The signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies and young children are dislike of being handled, fretful, refusing feeds or vomiting, arching of back, drowsy/difficult to wake, blank starring expression, pale blotchy skin, high pitched cry, fever cold hands and feet. These are in no particular order of occurrence.

Do symptoms vary according to the age of the child? If so please could you explain the differences?
In older children and adults the symptoms may vary - they may have a headache, stiff neck, be confused, fever with cold hands and feet, difficult to wake, vomiting, joint and muscle pain, dislike of bright lights.

These are in no particular order of occurrence.

What recommendations would you have for making the infected child more comfortable?
If meningitis is suspected then urgent medical treatment is necessary and a parent should go straight to the nearest A&E department

What is the normal procedure for treating Meningitis?
If bacterial meningitis is confirmed or suspected then treatment with large doses of antibiotics will be given. If viral meningitis is confirmed then the treatment is painkillers, bed rest and good general nursing care.

Does this illness require long-term treatment and care?
A course of high dose antibiotics are given over a period of 7 - 10 days if bacterial meningitis is confirmed. Depending on the recovery depends on how long treatment and care will continue. For some treatment and care can be on-going, especially if septicaemia has been present and there is loss of limbs/scarring etc.

How Meningitis is normally contracted?
One in ten of us at any one time naturally carry the germs that can cause meningitis at the back of our nose and throat. In most of us this boosts our body's immunity, just in some the germs will overcome the body's defences and cause meningitis. Germs are passed through close, prolonged intimate contact. Germs cannot survive outside the human body for long.

Is Meningitis contagious? If so, how long should the patient be contained?
Meningitis is an infectious disease, it is not highly contagious. There is no need to isolate a patient if they have been diagnosed with meningitis; however it depends on hospital policy.

Is Meningitis particularly dangerous if contracted by a particular group i.e. The elderly or the very young?
The most at risk groups are the under 5yrs, more particularly children under the age of 1yr, 14yrs-25yrs and over 55yrs. However bacterial meningitis is a life threatening illness and anyone of any age can get it.

Can the patient contract Meningitis again after recovery?
Yes - Unfortunately once you have had meningitis it does not mean that you will not get it again as there are many bacteria and viruses that cause the illness.

Are any vaccinations available to prevent the contraction of Meningitis?
There are vaccinations available as part of the routine immunisation programme for Hib bacteria, Pneumococcal and Meningococcal C. There is no vaccine available for the most prevalent type of bacteria in the UK Meningococcal B and there are no vaccines available for viral meningitis.

Can a vaccinated child contract Meningitis?
Yes because there is no vaccine available for Meningococcal B and there are no vaccines for viral meningitis. There is also a reported failure rate when vaccines have been given, although this is very small and most will form antibodies to the vaccines.

What do you recommend the child should do to aid the recovery process?
This really depends on the child and if there are after effects. Everyone is different, but not pushing themselves too far too soon is important. Children do tend to bounce back even after such a serious illness.

What is the normal recovery period for this type of infection?
Again it depends on the child and if there are any after effects.

Can the condition be fatal?
Yes - approximately 10% of bacterial cases are fatal. Viral meningitis does not normally cause death, but it has happened in some cases, although it is rare.

Can Meningitis cause long-term suffering/disability for the patient? If so, what suffering/disability is caused?
Yes - hearing loss is the largest after effect, limb loss (where septicaemia has occurred), mood swings, depression, headaches, epilepsy, learning and behavioural problems, severe brain damage, memory problems - the list is endless

This article was written using information provided by the Meningitis Trust.

The Meningitis Trust has been a registered charity for 21 years (October 2007), they support sufferers and their families providing home visits, professional counselling, 24 hour nurse led helpline, financial grants, and one to one contacts. They also have supporters and groups in some communities who have had a personal experience of meningitis and help to raise awareness and funds. They have a website at www.meningitis-trust.org and much more.

They raise awareness about the disease to health professionals and the general public.

Raise vital funds for research.

NOTE:
The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.

What do you think?
Login or Register to add a comment or ask a question.

FURTHER PARENTING HELP

Parenting.co.uk offers a range of options tailored to your individual parenting needs. Help options include both telephone and email based support. Please note there are charges for these services. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you lead a more fulfilling life as a parent or overcome specific problems you are having email andy@parenting.co.uk with details of the areas you would like help, support and guidance.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING? TRY THE PARENTING.CO.UK DIRECTORY

The Parenting.co.uk Directory covers the entire range of parenting subjects from health to activities, shopping to education and sports to days out. You can also search your local area for everything from drama lessons to babysitters and sports clubs to baby photographers.

Check out the directory here: Parenting Directory

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE PARENTING.CO.UK DIRECTORY

If you are looking to reach thousands of parents and families to boost your business then advertising in our directory is a simple way for you to do it.

Join our directory here: Join the Directory