It's important for parents to be aware of the signs of meningitis in children aside from the commonly-known rash.
Meningitis has hit the headlines after a mother, whose two-year-old daughter died of the illlness on Valentine's Day 2016, launched a petition to give the meningitis B vaccine to all children, not just babies.
The same day, former England rugby star Matt Dawsonrevealed his son had a two-week traumatic battle with meningitis, but survived.
This has caused parents of children who have not been vaccinated to be much more alert about the symptoms surrounding the disease.
The "glass test" is just one of the ways to see if your child may have meningitis
Dr. Umang Patel from Babylon Health talks through the symptoms parents should look out for in the video above.
"If you're worried about your child, it's really important to get medical advice quickly," explained Dr Patel.
Meningitis symptoms parents should look out for:
1. A child with a high temperature but with cold hands and feet.
2. A child who is vomiting and very agitated.
3. A child who is excessively drowsy, and adverse to light or complaining of a stiff neck.
4. A child refusing to feed.
5. A child with a tense, bulging soft spot on their head.
6. A child with an unusual high-pitched or moaning cry.
7. A child having convulsions or seizures.
"Sometimes children can have a rash," he explained. "A way of distinguishing a meningitis type rash from a normal viral rash is to do the glass test (as shown in the video above)."
However, Dr. Patel reminded parents that the rash can be a late sign of meningitis, so just because your child doesn't have one, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be concerned.
If you are worried about symptoms your child is exhibiting, seek medical advice immediately.
SEE ALSO:
Matt Dawson Reveals 'Two Weeks Of Hell' As Toddler Sami Battled Meningitis
Bereaved Mum Persuades MSPs To Take 'Definitive Action' Over Group B Strep Screening In Pregnancy
Girl Who Lost Feet To Meningitis Learns To Walk And Dance Again With Prosthetic Slippers
