If you or someone you know develops symptoms of meningitis or septicaemia, seek medical help urgently by going to the nearest Accident and Emergency department or calling 999.

Symptoms of meningitis

Early symptoms - such as vomiting, fever, aches, muscle pain, cold hands and feet and headaches - can look similar to common illnesses like colds or flu.

Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not happen at all. 

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include:

  • a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass
  • sudden onset of high fever
  • severe and worsening headache
  • stiff neck
  • vomiting and diarrhoea
  • joint and muscle pain
  • dislike of bright lights
  • very cold hands and feet
  • seizures (fits)
  • confusion or delirium
  • extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.

Further information: www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include: a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass sudden onset of high fever severe and worsening headache stiff neck vomiting and diarrhoea joint and muscle pain dislike of bright lights very cold hands and feet seizures confusion or delirium extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking.