With recent UK news: Child #1 contracted pneumococcal #meningitis about 3 years ago. Things that indicated it was more than flu/cold: paracetamol had little to zero impact on temp or pain. Cluster headache type symptoms. Vomiting/inability to even drink.

It took around 24 hours before he couldn’t put his chin to his chest. KEEP CHECKING. Just because they can do it at 8 pm, if they are still ill at 1 am CHECK AGAIN. If you have any concern it is meningitis take them to A&E now. Right this minute. And don’t downplay symptoms.

Gloucestershire is really good at treating for meningitis before any conclusive results. He was on IV antivirals and antibiotics 24 hours prior to a spinal tap. That is a very very good thing. If the hospital isn’t doing that ask them why. Be pushy.

Meningitis can be treated effectively. But it does require healthcare professionals to take it seriously. At this moment in time, they will. Keep pushing for your loved ones. Be obnoxious. At worst, it’s something else. Don’t wait for a rash. That is a late symptom in many cases.

Just to finish: this is our lived experience, and does not in any way reflect the many ways that meningitis can present. But please, please, take this one thing on board. If you think that a flu type illness is more concerning than a usual cold, go to A&E. PLEASE. I would not wish undiagnosed meningitis on any family.