ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-09 19:09:03 (8 hours ago) |
| First Indexed | 2015-01-21 19:43:13 (11 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Meningitis signs and symptoms | Meningitis Now |
| Meta Description | Knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can save your life. Meningitis can strike quickly and without warning, with symptoms that can be similar to flu or COVID. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Contents:
Signs & symptoms split by age group
Early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms of meningitis can include:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Muscle pain
Stomach cramps
Fever with cold hands and feet
For more age specific symptoms please see our pages for
babies and toddlers
,
children
,
Teenagers and young people
and
adults
.
Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Fever with cold hands and feet
Vomiting
Drowsy or difficult to wake
Confusion and irritability
Severe muscle pain
Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test (link))
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Dislike bright lights
Convulsions or seizures
Someone with meningitis or
septicaemia
can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them.
Signs & symptoms of meningitis
Signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies and toddlers
It is especially important to keep an eye on babies since they are unable to communicate when they are not feeling well
Meningitis symptoms in children
If you are unsure about the condition of your child be sure to seek medical help immediately
Meningitis symptoms in teenagers and young people
One in four 15-19 year olds carry the bacteria in the back of their throats, compared to one in ten of the UK population, which puts them at greater risk
Meningitis symptoms in adults
Many consider meningitis to be a childhood disease. It isn't and it can affect anyone of any age
Using the meningitis glass test on a rash
A rash that does not fade under pressure can be a sign of meningococcal septicaemia
Mobile signs and symptoms downloads
We have created downloadable videos and images optimised for mobile phones so you can always have them to hand
Emergency information
If you're worried about meningitis, don't waste time. Trust your instincts and get medical help immediately
If you're looking for information on MenB and MenACWY vaccines, please find an updated FAQs sheet here.
Find out more about meningitis, as well as the symptoms in this short video:
This content is not shown because you have denied third-party cookies. You can view it at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcbe6lgbYsc
, or
update your cookie settings |
| Markdown | [](https://www.meningitisnow.org/) [Skip to content](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/#main)
- [Helpline 0808 80 10 388](tel:+448088010388)
- [Donate](https://www.meningitisnow.org/donate/)
- [Helpline 0808 80 10 388](tel:+448088010388)
- [Meningitis explained](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/)
Meningitis explained
- [Meningitis explained](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/)
- [Signs & symptoms](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/)
- [What vaccines are available?](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/meningitis-vaccines/)
- [Types & causes of meningitis](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/types-of-meningitis/)
- [How to catch meningitis](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/how-to-catch-meningitis/)
- [Treatment of meningitis & septicaemia](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/meningitis-treatment/)
- [After-effects of meningitis](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/after-effects-meningitis/)
- [After-effects of septicaemia](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/after-effects-of-septicaemia/)
- [Meningitis research programme](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/research/)
- [Meningitis awareness materials](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/view-download-order/)
- [Get support](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/)
Get support
- [Get support](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/)
- [Contact our Helpline](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/contact-our-helpline/)
- [Community support](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/community-support/)
- [Supporting young people](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/supporting-young-people/)
- [Peer support](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/peer-support/)
- [Bereavement support](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/bereavement-support/)
- [Financial support](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/financial-support/)
- [Support events](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/support-events/)
- [Legal support](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/legal-support/)
- [Accessibility tools user guide](https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/accessibility-user-guide/)
- [Support us](https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/)
Support us
- [Support us](https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/)
- [Events & Fundraising](https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/events-and-fundraising/)
- [Donate to Meningitis Now](https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/donate/)
- [Volunteering](https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/welcome-to-our-volunteer-community/)
- [Corporate fundraising](https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/corporate-fundraising/)
- [Trusts & Foundations](https://www.meningitisnow.org/support-us/trusts-and-foundations/)
- [Who we are](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/)
Who we are
- [Who we are](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/)
- [Current vacancies](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/current-vacancies/)
- [Our team](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/our-team/)
- [Our Vision & Mission](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/our-vision-and-mission/)
- [Policies](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/policies/)
- [Contact us](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/contact-us/)
- [Meningitis stories](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-now-stories/)
Meningitis stories
- [Meningitis stories](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-now-stories/)
- [News centre](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-now-stories/news-centre/)
- [Campaigns](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-now-stories/campaigns/)
- [News & stories](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-now-stories/news-centre/news/)
- [Share your story](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-now-stories/news-centre/share-your-story/)
- [Share your news](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-now-stories/news-centre/share-your-news/)
- [Accessibility tools]()
# Meningitis signs and symptoms
Meningitis and septicaemia\* can happen together. Be aware of all the signs and symptoms. Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get worse very quickly; keep checking them and get medical help if you are concerned. Symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all.
*\*Many medical experts now use the term sepsis instead of septicaemia*

Contents:
- [Signs & symptoms split by age group](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/#signs-symptoms-split-by-age-group)
## Early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms of meningitis can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
- Fever with cold hands and feet
For more age specific symptoms please see our pages for [babies and toddlers](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-babies-and-toddlers/), [children](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-children/), [Teenagers and young people](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/meningitis-symptoms-in-teenagers-and-young-people/) and [adults](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-adults/).
## Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
- Fever with cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Drowsy or difficult to wake
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test (link))
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike bright lights
- Convulsions or seizures
Someone with meningitis or [septicaemia](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/meningitis-treatment/treatment-of-septicaemia/) can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them.
## DO NOT wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts - Get medical help immediately
## Signs & symptoms of meningitis
- [ Signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies and toddlers It is especially important to keep an eye on babies since they are unable to communicate when they are not feeling well](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-babies-and-toddlers/)
- [ Meningitis symptoms in children If you are unsure about the condition of your child be sure to seek medical help immediately](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-children/)
- [ Meningitis symptoms in teenagers and young people One in four 15-19 year olds carry the bacteria in the back of their throats, compared to one in ten of the UK population, which puts them at greater risk](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/meningitis-symptoms-in-teenagers-and-young-people/)
- [ Meningitis symptoms in adults Many consider meningitis to be a childhood disease. It isn't and it can affect anyone of any age](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-adults/)
- [ Using the meningitis glass test on a rash A rash that does not fade under pressure can be a sign of meningococcal septicaemia](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/glass-test/)
- [ Mobile signs and symptoms downloads We have created downloadable videos and images optimised for mobile phones so you can always have them to hand](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/mobile-meningitis-signs-downloads/)
- [ Emergency information If you're worried about meningitis, don't waste time. Trust your instincts and get medical help immediately](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/emergency-information/)
[Vaccine information update - March 2026 If you're looking for information on MenB and MenACWY vaccines, please find an updated FAQs sheet here.](https://www.meningitisnow.org/documents/522/FAQs_MenB_and_MenACWY_Vaccines.pdf)
Find out more about meningitis, as well as the symptoms in this short video:
This content is not shown because you have denied third-party cookies. You can view it at <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcbe6lgbYsc>, or [update your cookie settings](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/policies/cookies/)
## Join us on
© Meningitis Now is a registered charity in England and Wales number 803016 and Scotland number SC037790
Registered Office: Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 3TJ |
| Readable Markdown | Contents:
- [Signs & symptoms split by age group](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/#signs-symptoms-split-by-age-group)
## Early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms of meningitis can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
- Fever with cold hands and feet
For more age specific symptoms please see our pages for [babies and toddlers](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-babies-and-toddlers/), [children](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-children/), [Teenagers and young people](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/meningitis-symptoms-in-teenagers-and-young-people/) and [adults](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-adults/).
## Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
- Fever with cold hands and feet
- Vomiting
- Drowsy or difficult to wake
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test (link))
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike bright lights
- Convulsions or seizures
Someone with meningitis or [septicaemia](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/meningitis-treatment/treatment-of-septicaemia/) can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them.
## Signs & symptoms of meningitis
- [ Signs and symptoms of meningitis in babies and toddlers It is especially important to keep an eye on babies since they are unable to communicate when they are not feeling well](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-babies-and-toddlers/)
- [ Meningitis symptoms in children If you are unsure about the condition of your child be sure to seek medical help immediately](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-children/)
- [ Meningitis symptoms in teenagers and young people One in four 15-19 year olds carry the bacteria in the back of their throats, compared to one in ten of the UK population, which puts them at greater risk](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/meningitis-symptoms-in-teenagers-and-young-people/)
- [ Meningitis symptoms in adults Many consider meningitis to be a childhood disease. It isn't and it can affect anyone of any age](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms-adults/)
- [ Using the meningitis glass test on a rash A rash that does not fade under pressure can be a sign of meningococcal septicaemia](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/glass-test/)
- [ Mobile signs and symptoms downloads We have created downloadable videos and images optimised for mobile phones so you can always have them to hand](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/mobile-meningitis-signs-downloads/)
- [ Emergency information If you're worried about meningitis, don't waste time. Trust your instincts and get medical help immediately](https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/emergency-information/)
[If you're looking for information on MenB and MenACWY vaccines, please find an updated FAQs sheet here.](https://www.meningitisnow.org/documents/522/FAQs_MenB_and_MenACWY_Vaccines.pdf)
Find out more about meningitis, as well as the symptoms in this short video:
This content is not shown because you have denied third-party cookies. You can view it at <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcbe6lgbYsc>, or [update your cookie settings](https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/policies/cookies/) |
| Shard | 154 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 12629461028225537354 |
| Unparsed URL | org,meningitisnow!www,/meningitis-explained/signs-and-symptoms/ s443 |