panicking slightly..

[ditsydoll]

So my mum's friend came to visit my newborn a few days ago, I also have a 4yo Dd.

Her son (adult but still lives at home) has now been taken into hospital with possible meningitis symptoms. Nothings been confirmed but we where only with his mum about 3 days ago and I'm really worried about my children.

Obviously very worried about her poor son too. Could she carry it if it turned out to be meningitis?

Anyone? :(

I have no idea but bump for you xx

I don't think it is particular contagious, not like something like a rotavirus or conjunctivitis. But at least you know, and if either of your DC fall even slightly ill over the next few days then call the GPs and explain to them.

When my niece had meningitis, only those in prolonged and frequent contact with her were deemed to be at risk and given antibiotics.
I double-checked with my GP, because my DDs had been in contact with her, but he said the risk was negligible. Nobody else in the family came down with it.

Now, I'm not medically qualified and wouldn't want my word to be taken as law, but I hope this has given you some reassurance.

No advice I'm afraid but didn't want to read and ignore. Maybe contact your doctor / NHS Direct for reassurance if you haven't already?

I didn't want to read and run.
There was a child with meningitis at DD's nursery - quite a few years ago now. He was quite ill but made a full recovery - none of the others got it. I think it is extremely unlikely, especially if it is second hand. Can you ring the midwife service or GP in the morning for reassurance?

Sorry, have no idea either, but I'd suggest you call the NHS non-emergency number 111 and ask. There are different forms of meningitis, so it might be useful if you knew which sort your Mum's friend's son has.

HTH

No idea but ring NHS direct and check

My understanding of meningitis is that it is caused by germs present on us all entering the blood stream. Having said that there is a jab for it.

Look up the symptoms and be extra vigilant.

No offence to anyone who has posted but with something like meningitis I wouldn't rely on advice from a forum. If you are at all worried call your GP out of hours or triage at the maternity unit. No doubt the risks will be negligible but check it out just to put your mind at ease.

You are right chairman! Unless anyone is an under cover gp!

Not even sure if he has meningitis yet. Will obviously seek medical advice if it's confirmed. She was probably only in the same room as us for about an hour, she did hold my newborn but as far as I'm aware it isn't airborne and is spread through direct contact with saliva.

All the info I can find says that only people in close contact I.e people living in the same household, childcare settings where children share toys nd childcare providers who spend all day with an infected person would be offered antibiotics so I'm hoping it's unlikely that we would be at risk.

Go to the doctor. Hopefully it won't have been passed on but go for peace of mind.

I remember being at boarding college and a girl in my dorm got ('gitie' as we all started calling it) she was actually sharing a room with about 8 of us and was seriously ill before they realized she didn't just have a cold. We were helping her to the loo etc.

Everyone in the college was immunized and quarantined for over a week. It wasn't passed on to anyone. Even those of us that were exposed to it for ages before it was diagnosed and we were vaccinated.

Go to the GP tomorrow.

Can't see my gp as its a Saturday. Will call NHS direct in the morning and see what they say

sure it'll be fine. Natural to be worried. Checking it out will give you peace of mind.