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What are the signs of meningitis in my child?
Meningitis is a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord lining. Learn the signs and when to get urgent help.
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What it is
Meningitis is an infection of the protective layers that cover the brain and spinal cord [1]. It can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated quickly [1]. Viral meningitis is the most common type [3]. Bacterial meningitis is rare but can be deadly [3]. It can cause stroke, hearing loss, and brain damage [3]. Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people with weak immune systems [3]. Meningitis can get serious very quickly [3].
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly [1]. They can include:
- A high temperature (fever) [1]
- Very cold hands and feet [1]
- A stiff neck [1]
- Joint and muscle pain [1]
- A severe headache that is getting worse [1]
- Eye pain when looking at bright lights [1]
- Seizures (fits) [1]
- Vomiting and diarrhoea [1]
- Confusion [1]
- Being very sleepy or difficult to wake [1]
- Spots or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass [1]. This may be harder to see on brown or black skin [1].
Some early symptoms can be similar to flu, a stomach bug, or a hangover [1].
Babies and children under 5 years may also:
- Not want to feed [1]
- Have a high-pitched, unusual cry [1]
- Have a stiff body or be floppy or unresponsive [1]
- Have a bulging soft spot on the top of their head [1]
What you can do at home
Viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within 7 to 10 days [5]. It can often be treated at home with plenty of rest, painkillers, and anti-sickness medicine [5]. Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated in hospital, usually for at least a week [5]. Treatments may include antibiotics given directly into a vein, fluids given directly into a vein, and oxygen through a face mask [5].
Do not try to treat suspected meningitis at home. If you think your child might have meningitis, get medical help immediately [4]. Trust your instincts. A child with meningitis might not have every symptom listed [4]. Get immediate medical help if your child is unwell and you think there is something seriously wrong [4].
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child against meningitis [7]. Children and teenagers are offered vaccines that protect against the main causes of meningitis, such as the MenB, MenACWY, pneumococcal, 6-in-1, and MMRV vaccines [7].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Call your emergency number or go to the emergency department immediately if you think your child might have meningitis [4]. Do not drive yourself to the emergency department [4]. The person who answers will give you advice about what to do [4].
For a baby or child under 5 years, get immediate help if they have:
- A very high temperature – 38C or more in babies under 3 months old, or 39C or more in babies 3 to 6 months old [4]
- A very low temperature – less than 36C, or feels cold to the touch or is shivery [4]
- A weak, high-pitched, or continuous cry [4]
- A rash that does not fade when you press it [4]
- Not responding like they normally do, not feeding, or is floppy, difficult to wake, or more sleepy than usual [4]
- Symptoms you are worried might be meningitis [4]
For a child aged 5 years or over, get immediate help if they have:
- A very high or very low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivery [4]
- A very painful headache [4]
- Confusion, slurred speech, or not making sense [4]
- A stiff neck and cannot look at bright lights [4]
- A rash that does not fade when you press it [4]
- A seizure (fit) for the first time [4]
- Symptoms you are worried might be meningitis [4]
Sepsis can also be a concern. Get immediate help if your child has difficulty breathing, blue or blotchy skin, or has not peed in the last 12 hours (under 5 years) [2][6].
Common questions
Can my child have meningitis without a rash? Yes. A child with meningitis might not have every symptom listed [4]. The rash does not always appear. Get medical help if you are worried [4].
How is meningitis diagnosed? Tests to diagnose meningitis include blood tests, imaging tests, and a spinal tap to test cerebrospinal fluid [3]. You will need some tests in hospital to find out what is causing it [5].
Is meningitis contagious? The sources do not describe how meningitis spreads between people. Viral meningitis starts when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain [3]. Bacterial meningitis usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection [3].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Meningitis” (2026), section “Meningitis”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/ [2] NHS — “Sepsis” (2024), section “Symptoms of sepsis in babies and children”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/ [3] MedlinePlus — “Meningitis” (2025), section “Introducción”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/meningitis.html [4] NHS — “Meningitis” (2026), section “When and where to get medical help”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/ [5] NHS — “Meningitis” (2026), section “Treatments for meningitis”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/ [6] NHS — “Sepsis” (2024), section “When and where to get medical help”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/ [7] NHS — “Meningitis” (2026), section “How to reduce your risk of meningitis”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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