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Warning-sign checks

H influenzae meningitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Suspected bacterial meningitis is an emergency.

    Call emergency services or go to an emergency department immediately if someone has fever with a severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, a seizure, or difficulty waking.

    Emergency help is also needed for breathing difficulty, blue or grey skin, rapidly worsening weakness, collapse, or signs of severe bloodstream infection such as cold mottled skin and reduced responsiveness.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    A baby needs urgent assessment for fever with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, persistent irritability, a bulging soft spot, a high-pitched cry, floppiness, or unusual stiffness.

    Do not wait for every typical symptom to appear.

    After discharge, seek urgent medical advice for a new fever, worsening headache, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, a seizure, new weakness, or clear deterioration.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up for persistent tiredness, headaches, hearing concerns, concentration problems, or changes in a child’s speech, learning, movement, or behaviour.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on H influenzae meningitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.