As a parent, meningitis is one of those illnesses that sits at the back of your mind. Is there always a rash? How quickly does it develop? How soon should you seek medical advice? If you’re not sure you know the symptoms of meningitis, this parent-friendly guide from ACT for Meningitis is worth a few minutes of your time.
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Many people have heard of the meningitis rash and know about the “glass test” — pressing a glass against the skin to see if a rash fades. But a rash only appears in approximately 50% of meningitis cases. That’s why it’s so important to familiarise yourself with all the possible symptoms, not just the rash. Getting medical help early can help save a life.
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Symptoms of Meningitis
Not every symptom below will be present in every case, and they can appear in any order — or not at all. That’s exactly why vigilance matters so much.
Don’t Wait for the Rash
- The meningitis rash does not fade or disappear when a glass is rolled over it.
- In many cases of meningitis, however, a rash may not appear at all.
- If you have any concerns or suspicions, don’t wait for a rash to appear before acting.
- Trust your instincts — you know your child best.
- If you think it’s serious, get medical help immediately.
ACT for Meningitis
Following the death of their four-year-old daughter Aoibhe, Siobhan and Noel decided to set up ACT for Meningitis.
ACT stands for both the Aoibhe Carroll Trust, and also represents the three key messages Siobhan and Noel want parents to remember:
- A: Ask yourself, could it be meningitis?
- C: Contact your doctor — and most importantly,
- T: Trust your instincts.
For further information about ACT for Meningitis, visit www.actformeningitis.ie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does meningitis always cause a rash?
No. A rash appears in only around half of meningitis cases. Many children with meningitis never develop a rash at all, so it’s important not to wait for one before seeking help.
What is the “glass test”?
The glass test involves pressing the side of a clear glass against a suspected rash. If the rash doesn’t fade or disappear under the pressure, it can be a sign of meningitis and needs urgent medical attention. However, since a rash isn’t always present, this test alone shouldn’t be relied on to rule meningitis out.
When should I contact a doctor about possible meningitis symptoms?
As soon as you have any concern. Symptoms can appear in any order, and some children may only show one or two signs at first. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and contact your doctor straight away rather than waiting to see if more symptoms develop.
What does ACT stand for?
ACT for Meningitis takes its name from the Aoibhe Carroll Trust, set up by parents Siobhan and Noel after the loss of their daughter Aoibhe. It also stands for the charity’s three key messages: Ask yourself could it be meningitis, Contact your doctor, and Trust your instincts.
Related Reading
- Flu or Meningitis: Would You Know The Difference?
- More family health and safety guides on MyKidsTime
Save This for Later
Meningitis symptoms can be easy to miss, especially in young children. Save or share this guide so you have it to hand if you’re ever unsure — and sign up to our newsletter below for more practical parenting guides delivered straight to your inbox.
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