Meningitis symptoms

The glass test

A rash that does not fade under pressure is a sign of meningococcal septicaemia and is a medical emergency.

See how you do the glass test.

What to do if concerned about meningitis symptoms

If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately. You can:

Call NHS Direct/NHS 24 or your GP.
Go to your nearest accident and emergency department.
Dial 999 for an ambulance.
Describe the symptoms carefully and say that you think it could be meningitis or septicaemia.
Early diagnosis can be difficult. If you have had advice and are still worried, get medical help again.
Trust your instincts.

If you are worried about the symptoms of meningitis and spotting them in time, let us help you with our free card. We also have an iPhone app and an Android app for you to download.

How protect yourself and your loved ones against meningitis

Keep up-to-date with all available vaccines. Until there are vaccines to protect against all types of meningitis:

Carry one of our free symptoms cards at all times.

Remain vigilant to all the signs.

The early symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. These can often look like other more common illnesses like flu.
Trust your instincts. You know your child, a loved one, or your own body, better than anyone else. If you think it is meningitis, say so.
Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them.
Make sure your family and friends know the signs and symptoms too.

We produce symptoms cards in credit-card size, so that it can be kept easily inside a purse or wallet. Our symptoms cards are free to anyone - please call our freephone helpline on 0800 028 18 28 to get yours.

We also have a free iPhone app and a new Android app to download with life-saving information on. Make sure you’re clued up and download one of them today.

Need more information on meningitis symptoms?

Knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis, remaining vigilant and getting medical help quickly if concerned, can save lives. By learning the signs and symptoms of the disease now, you could be saving a life in the future. Visit our resources section for free meningitis downloads and literature.

Call one of our specially trained nurses on our freephone helpline, available 24-hours a day: 0800 028 18 28, or you can email us at helpline@meningitis-trust.org and we will come back to you as soon as we can.