Meningitis and Septicaemia

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by either a virus or bacteria.

Viral meningitis is usually mild and does not require medical treatment. Bacterial meningitis however can be life-threatening and can come on very quickly. Children under five are most likely to be affected and sadly some of these will die.

There are several types of bacteria that can cause meningitis, the most common being meningococcal bacteria. Most of us carry this bacteria in our noses and throats without becoming ill. The bacteria can be passed through kissing, sneezing and coughing. Only if the bacteria reaches the blood stream does the person contract meningitis and/or septicaemia - most people who get meningitis will also get septicaemia.

Mercifully, meningitis and septicaemia cases are quite rare. However, it is important to know the symptoms as early treatment is vital.

Symptoms

• High temperature - above 99.5°F/37.5°C.
• Extreme sleepiness - difficulty in waking baby.
• Headache.
• Staring expression.
• Dislike of bright lights.
• Stiff neck.
• Difficulty breathing, or fast breathing.
• Shivering.
• Vomiting.
• Purpley-red or brown rash.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Bulging soft spot (fontanelle).
• Blotchy skin getting paler or turning blue.
• A high-pitched or moaning cry.
• Abnormally stiff body with jerky movements.

A septicaemia rash usually starts as purpley-red or brown pinpricks on the skin anywhere on the body. To check whether the rash is a sign of septicaemia, press a clear glass against the rash. Other rashes will fade, if this one does not do so it is likely to be septicaemia.

****************************************************************
Author: Tony Luck who runs a site with advice about everything to do with babies and a gift store specializing in personalized ceramics - greeting cards (yes, ceramic greeting cards!) and commemorative plates.

---

Strategies to Help Boost Your Childs Self Esteem

Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More

How to Create an Emotional Bond with Your Child

One of the most powerful tools that parents have for... Read More

10 Steps To Prepare You For Life With Children

It's hard to explain to the uninitiated the changes that... Read More

Vehicle Safety - Following Simple Vehicle Safety Tips Can Reduce Auto Accidents and Injuries

Child Car Seat Safety:We know you love your children, but... Read More

Top Three Reasons To Get Involved At Your Childs School

You may think once your child has gone off to... Read More

The Old and the New

During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More

Should The Dad-To-Be Attend The Birth?

Not so long ago a dad-to-be would pace up and... Read More

The Courage to Be a Loving Parent

Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More

Back to School Feng Shui

Every school year parents and students dutifully trudge through the... Read More

Identifying Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Classroom: Eight Things Teachers Should

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More

Career Education: Does Not Mean the 6 Year College Plan

Researching career education uncovered the following shocking statistic: The average... Read More

SMUT Spelled Backwards is TUMS

Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More

Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet

The biggest trick some child predators' are using these days... Read More

A Dialogue with an ADHD Non-Believer

Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More

A Mothers Love

Once upon a time there was a beautiful bird whose... Read More

Diet Sodas And How They Can Affect Kids

Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas... Read More

Single Mother Sanity Savers Pt. 1

Being a single mother is no easy task. I know.... Read More

Jammin with Your Kids: The Wonderful World of Music

Does music need to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer... Read More

Back to School; Time to Recharge

The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers,... Read More

More Water, Not Less, Will Help End Bedwetting

Children are notoriously bad at drinking enough liquids. They are... Read More

People of the Century by Dan Rather

Dan Rather made a significant and tactical error and got... Read More

How Two Quarelling Kids Helped Invent the Better Behavior Wheel

When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More

Homeschooling ? Can I Do It?

Many parents would like to homeschool their children but are... Read More

Guerilla Parenting Techniques: What Are They?

When you hear the phrase, 'guerrilla parenting techniques', what images... Read More

Celebrating Mom: How To Make Every Day Her Special Day!

Bearers of life, wipers of noses, givers of unconditional love... Read More