To mark World Meningitis Day, we're sharing one of RTÉ's 'Good Cause' segment which featured on Winning Streak earlier this year. In the video below, Marty and Sinead introduce the Meningitis Research Foundation, an Ireland group which helps cope with the disease.
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According to Diane McConnell, Regional Direction of the Foundation, the signs to look out for in children include vomiting, temperature, cold hands and feet, and pale skin. The child may also have a sore neck, headache, joint and limb pain as well as many other symptoms including a rash that doesn't disappear when a glass is rolled over it.
The important thing to remember is that a rash may not appear and symptoms can appear in any order.
How to check for a rash
According to the HSE website, you should check all of your child's body. The rash can be harder to see on darker skin, so check on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
Look out for tiny red or brown pin-prick marks that do not fade when a glass is pressed to the skin and keep in mind that these marks can later change into larger red or purple blotches and into blood blisters.
The glass test
If a rash does appear on your child's skin, use the glass test.
- Press the bottom or side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the rash
- Check if the rash fades under the pressure of the glass
- If the rash does not fade, your child may have septicemia so you must get medical help at once.
When to call your GP
Meningitis is a very serious illness. It is an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord and the germs that cause bacterial meningitis can also cause septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Fast treatment can save lives and prevent long-term disability so if you're not sure about your child's health, contact your GP or GP Out of Hours Service.
If you are not able to get through to your GP or your child needs urgent care, bring them to your nearest hospital's emergency department.
