It isn’t easy to spot the symptoms of meningitis, as many people confuse the early signs and symptoms with the flu. Meningitis signs and symptoms may develop over
![](https://smb.ibsrv.net/imageresizer/image/blog_images/1200x1200/8874/810205/0859374001661541037.jpg)
several hours or over one or two days. By visiting your pediatrician, you will be able to get a proper diagnosis for your child.
According to your pediatrician, some of the signs and symptoms that may occur in anyone older than the age of two include:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache that isn’t easily confused with other types of headaches
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting or nausea with headache
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Seizures
- Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
- Sensitivity to light
- Lack of interest in drinking and eating
- Skin rash in some cases
Seek medical care from your pediatrician immediately if your child has signs or symptoms of meningitis, such as fever, severe headache, confusion, vomiting and stiff neck. Viral meningitis may improve without treatment, but bacterial meningitis is serious, can come on very quickly and requires prompt antibiotic treatment to improve the chance of a recovery.
If you delay treatment for bacterial meningitis, the risk of permanent brain damage or death increases. Educate yourself about meningitis and talk to your child’s pediatrician for more information and a proper diagnosis.