How to Help a Little One Who May Have Meningitis
How to Help a Little One Who May Have Meningitis
Viral meningitis week took place at the beginning of May and highlighted that babies and young children are at greatest risk of becoming very unwell. Although rare, it is important that as a childcare provider, you, your team, and parents can help a little one who may have meningitis by taking the following steps:
1. If someone has flu-like symptoms, a headache, and a high temperature, they may have meningitis. They may also complain of being sensitive to light or neck stiffness (unable to touch their chin to their chest). At a later stage, a rash may form and will not disappear when a glass is pressed against the skin.
Other symptoms of meningitis include cold hands and feet, joint pain, pale or mottled skin drowsiness and vomiting. A person with meningitis can have one or more symptoms, and some symptoms occur later as the infection develops.
2. Seek urgent medical advice if you see any of these symptoms or call 999 for emergency help if any signs of a rash are present. Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear. A person with meningitis can deteriorate very quickly. It is potentially very serious and needs urgent medical attention.
3. Reassure them until help arrives.
If they have a fever, you can give the person fluids to keep them hydrated.
What should be in a paediatric first aid kit?
What supplies should be included in your paediatric first aid kit? Our blog provides you with advice and an example contents list.
The information in this article is provided by The British Red Cross and does not represent Morton Michel.