How to spot killer illnesses Meningitis and Septicaemia in children

A guide on how to spot killer illnesses Meningitis and Septicaemia in children has been released by health chiefs in a bid to help carers identify the warning signs.
Guardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signsGuardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signs
Guardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signs

The early stages of the illnesses are commonly missed as they often appear as a cold or flu type illness, the guide warns.

It adds that, carers should always treat any case of suspected meningitis or septicaemia as an emergency.

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Parents are now being asked to make themselves aware of all the symptoms of the illnesses as the rash commonly associated with meningococcal septicaemia does not always appear in all cases.

Guardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signsGuardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signs
Guardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signs

Guardians of young children should contact a doctor if their children show any of the signs below:-

1. Fever, cold hands and feet

2. Floppy and unresponsive

3. Drowsy and difficult to wake

In this example the spots are still visible through the glass. This is called
a non-blanching rash - it does not fade. Seek immediate medical help if you see this sign. 
.In this example the spots are still visible through the glass. This is called
a non-blanching rash - it does not fade. Seek immediate medical help if you see this sign. 
.
In this example the spots are still visible through the glass. This is called a non-blanching rash - it does not fade. Seek immediate medical help if you see this sign. .

4. Spots/rash. Do the glass test

5. Rapid breathing or grunting

6. Fretful, dislikes being handled

7. Unusual cry or moaning

Guardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signsGuardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signs
Guardians of young children are told to contact a doctor if their children show any of the signs

The guide also warns carers that not all children will show all the signs listed above.

A spokesman for East Lancashire CCG said: "Babies and toddlers are most vulnerable as they cannot easily fight infection because their immune system is not yet fully developed.

"They can’t tell you how they are feeling and can get a lot worse very quickly.

"The presence of fever and any other of the above symptoms should be taken extremely seriously."