It's not easy to spot the symptoms of meningitis. People often confuse the early signs and symptoms of meningitis with the flu. In fact, meningitis may come on the heels of a flu-like illness or infection. That's why it's important to stay alert, learn the common signs and symptoms of meningitis, and act quickly.
Early Meningitis Symptoms
The first signs of meningitis often feel like the flu, including:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Feeling sick in general
- Muscle pain
- Pale skin
- Cold hands and feet
These symptoms can start in a different order for each person. They can also show up differently in children. Some people don’t have any of these symptoms.
A rash is one of the main signs of meningitis, but it may not appear until later. Because meningitis can make you sick very quickly, don’t wait for the rash to show up. Get medical help right away.
Bacterial Meningitis Symptoms
When bacteria cause meningitis, it is often more severe than when a virus causes the infection.
Watch for bacterial meningitis symptoms that show up quickly, such as:
- A stiff neck
- Headache
- High fever
- Confusion
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light sensitivity
Children with bacterial meningitis may:
- Cry a lot
- Vomit
- Act irritable
- Not have much energy
- Have trouble waking up
- Lose their appetite
- Have seizures
- Have a bulging soft spot called a fontanel on their head
Viral Meningitis Symptoms
When a virus causes meningitis, watch out for symptoms like these that start suddenly:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Light sensitivity
- Appetite loss
- Double vision
- Flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or body aches
Infants may have symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- A bulging soft spot on their head
- Fussiness
- Sleepiness or low energy
- Appetite loss
Symptoms of Meningitis in Children
Kids with meningitis may start with cold or flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, diarrhea, and vomiting. Symptoms can appear quickly or over a few days.
Babies with meningitis may:
- Cry constantly with a high-pitched sound
- Arch their back
- Refuse breast milk or formula
- Act cranky
- Cry while moving their head because their neck hurts
- Sleep more than usual
- Breathe fast or grunt while breathing
- Have a purple-red splotchy rash
Children may have symptoms such as:
- Neck and back pain
- Sleepiness
- No appetite
- Confusion
- Light sensitivity
- Purple-red splotchy rash
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t real)
- Trouble walking
Meningitis Rash
A rash can be a symptom of meningitis, although not everyone gets one. When the bacteria that cause meningitis get into the bloodstream, they make poisons that damage blood vessels. Blood from those damaged vessels leaks into the skin and causes the rash.
A meningitis rash may start as petechiae, which are tiny red spots that look like flea bites. Then, the rash can grow into purpura, which are large red and purple blotches that resemble bruises. A rash that spreads quickly is a sign of severe illness.
The rash looks red on light skin, but it may be harder to see on dark skin. You can see it more clearly by looking at lighter areas of skin, such as:
- Palms of the hands
- Soles of the feet
- Inside of the eyelids
- Belly
- Roof of the mouth
One way to know whether you have a meningitis rash is to do the “glass test.” A meningitis rash won’t look pale if you press a glass against it.
Meningococcal Sepsis
Neisseria meningitidis bacteria cause meningitis. These bacteria infect the lining of the brain and spinal cord and cause swelling. Meningococcal bacteria also cause septicemia, a life-threatening blood infection. Meningitis and septicemia are meningococcal diseases that can occur together.
Symptoms of meningococcal sepsis to watch for include:
- Fever and chills
- Fast breathing
- Cold hands and feet
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Severe muscle and joint aches
- Pain in the chest
- Dark purple rash
When to Seek Medical Help for Meningitis Symptoms
Sometimes, meningitis gets better on its own. But the infection could become life-threatening, so get medical help if you have symptoms of meningitis. Call your doctor or go to an emergency room. Quick treatment can prevent serious complications.
Meningitis can be very dangerous in children. Get medical help right away if an infant or child has symptoms of meningitis. A fever, reduced appetite, or fussiness can be symptoms of many childhood infections. Because it can be hard to tell if your child has meningitis or another infection, call a doctor for advice.
Takeaways
Meningitis symptoms look very similar to cold and flu symptoms. Look for signs such as a pinpoint or splotchy rash, stiff neck, severe headache, and fever. Get medical help right away if you think you or your child has symptoms of meningitis. Treating this infection quickly can prevent serious complications.
Meningitis Symptoms FAQs
What are the warning signs of meningitis?
The early symptoms of meningitis include a fever, headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and a general sick feeling. These symptoms may start very quickly or develop slowly over a few days.
What are the signs of meningitis in adults?
Adults have symptoms such as a high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, nausea, and confusion.
How can you tell if someone has meningitis?
Meningitis symptoms like a fever, headache, and nausea look like many other conditions. If you’re not sure what you have, call a doctor for advice.
What should you do if you suspect meningitis?
If you think you have meningitis, go to an emergency room or see a doctor right away. Quick treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Do symptoms vary depending on the types of meningitis?
Bacterial and viral meningitis cause similar symptoms, such as a fever, headache, and rash. But viral meningitis isn’t as serious as bacterial meningitis.
