DH mum bacterial meningitis - do we need antibiotics?

[riyaah]

MIL lives with us as she has been struggling at home. Been here six months. There’s me, DH, DC3 and DSIL.

Ive just had sepsis (in December) and still off work. DMIL came down with vomiting and a high temp on Monday, and said her head was splitting open with pain. DH took her to A&E on advice of GP. She was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis yesterday and is in for two weeks on IV antibiotics. She’s had morphine for the pain. I’m worried sick about her. I love MIL and can’t stand the thought of her being so unwell. She’s only 54.

Ive been in and out of hospital most of December but returned home 27th December for good and have been resting in bed mostly. DH has been looking after DC3 and when MIL got sick he looked after her.

I’ve spent some time with MIL, but not much as I’ve been unwell. She has been in very close contact however with DH and DC3 and DSIL over Christmas and new year.

DH was given a single antibiotic by A&E staff. Aibu to think me, DC3 and DSIL need it too?

DH has been sleeping in our bed as usual, kisses, hugs.

sorry I’m probably being unreasonable as I’ve had such a shit time in hospital and just terrified of getting unwell again.

I feel too selfish to ask DH to ask ward staff as the focus is righty on poor MIL. I’m just worried sick

Hopeful bump

Just ask the people caring for your MIL in the hospital, there’s normally a protocol in place so ask them what that is.

Contact your own GP or 111.

Ring your GP

Ring your gp.

Why are you asking Mumsnet for medical advice? Call your GP or 111.

They should treat all contacts that live in the home. Hospital staff should have prescribed antibiotics for all household contacts (everyone who lives in the same home which includes you, DC3 and DSIL). You should especially have been given them as you are more vulnerable post-sepsis. Phone your GP or 111 and they can contact UKHSA who coordinate if required.

They will likely know which strain it is now and so know whether it requires a course of antibiotics.
Phone the ward and ask, the type our DS had didnt require them (it was caused by a bacteria which is commonly carried and rarely gets into the spinal fluid) but some types do require it for close contact. Usually the more common types.
Once you have the information you can phone the GP.

Speak to your GP. Or as you’ve now left it until Friday tea time, phone 111 or tell DH to speak to ward staff, it isn’t selfish to protect your child from meningitis.