Medics! - prophylaxis for meningitis exposure

[clinellwipe]

I Appreciate that mumsnet is a ridiculous place to ask for medical advice but it’s about my husband and presumably can’t phone occupational health or 111 on his behalf (occ health closed anyway)

My husband examined and suctioned a patient with bacterial meningitis on Thursday. He wore PPE but has a stupid big beard that doesn’t fit in masks (!) , and constantly touches his face etc.

Just under 48 hours later and he feels “unwell” and nauseous , feels he will probably vomit etc.

Is it worthy of prophylactic antibiotics? He thinks I’m being ridiculous (I’m the anxious type) , I think he needs to consider it (he’s like the stereotypical farmer type that would only go to ED if arm has fallen off).

Again, I know mumsnet is stupid place to ask but surely I can’t phone his work place to ask without his consent

I know statistically speaking it’s most likely viral gastroenteritis. But just wanted to hear others thoughts (I’m ex doctor , now SAHM to SEN child and I’m out of practice)

I am not in any way shape or form a medic, but surely if you called and explained the situation they would give you general advice?

They wouldn’t be able to give you and information about your husband specifically, more like “if a patient who had potentially been exposed to meningitis presented with abc symptom we would recommend xyz”

I think it’s worth a call.

Not a medic, but the NICE guidance suggests prophylaxis in the case of exposure. So he really ought to speak to his OH department, at the very least.

I really wouldn’t ring his place of work, yes you can ring 111 on his behalf, or a pharmacy.

He’s now vomiting and in between vomits telling me he absolutely does not meningitis as he doesn’t have a headache! Will post again if anything changes…
it’s his second stomach bug in two weeks, none of us caught it last time and fingers crossed for this time as he cosleep with our autistic son (whilst I sleep in different room with baby).

Separately, just want to emphasise the devastation of meningitis. As a teenager my 16 year old friend died of meningitis about 24 hours after being turned away from A&E with “just a virus”. PLEASE ensure you are your kids are fully vaccinated , that you know the red flag symptoms (don’t rely on the classic rash as it can be a late sign or may not be present at all) - fever, neck stiffness, sensitivity to lights, malaise, vomiting

Thanks

And headache, of course

YABVU for posting on here instead of calling 111 for advice. Your husband is BVU for having a beard that prevents him from protecting himself with PPE and constantly touching his face. He really should do some extra infection control training! Why are managers not talking to him about this? Both of you are BU because you know the consequences of messing around with serious infections. So sorry about the young person who died. So very sad.

Is you DH a nurse or doctor? If so I would get him
to contact work/his ward for advice. Would the on call microbiologist be able to answer if he needs prophylactic antibiotics?

I agree re husband touching his face and beard - it is objectively stupid.

Regarding phoning oncall micro or 111 , trust me I want to, but can a wife of a member of staff phone micro for advice against the wishes of the staff member? I can phone 111 and in fact I’ll do that now, but when they ask him to attend OOH GP or ED I know he will be cross with me for phoning and he will refuse to go.

Started to phone 111 and then changed my mind, phoned micro oncall through switchboard and told her the story. She was obviously aware of the meningitis case my husband was involved in, we talked it through, she said that based off everything currently we should monitor at home but if it worsens then go to ED for antibiotics

Thanks for the kick up the bum and thanks to the microbiologist who was happy to talk to a non staff member !

I find it rather shocking that a medical professional, which your husband must be if he was suctioning someone, is so cavalier about infection control, neglect of his own and potentially his family's health apart.

Don't you @clinellwipe ? You're a doctor.

ETA posted before I saw your update, glad you've got advice.

If he's a medical professional who doesn't realise the danger of having a massive beard/touching his face, then he probably shouldn't be doing that job, to state the blindingly obvious! And to be so blasé about his own health, let alone potentially passing on a serious/dangerous infection is shameful on his part!

Uricon2, I completely agree.

I carry Clinell wipes with me everywhere - hence the username. I think most members of staff are too relaxed about infection control, and I see it in the wider public too. Parents sending their kids to school who have vomited (“only once!”) , there was even a MN thread recently about washing hands when coming home from being out and about … a good half of posters thought it was ridiculous to wash hands when you get home. That is one habit that DH has taken up , thankfully.