8yr old with headache & stiff neck

[MrsWhirling]

My DD came home from school complaining of headache and with a temp over 39. Overnight she was sick once, but perked up a bit today. However she is complaining of a stiff neck and headache. Her temp is now around 38 with paracetamol & neurophen. Do you think she needs the GP? I am worried that stiff neck is listed as a sign of meningitis. She has been eating. Thanks

Can she put her chin on her chest?

Yes, but says I hurts.

Take her to the GP. It may well be just a viral infection but could be something more serious, better to go tonight and get her checked over than worry all night in case she gets worse.

Unfortunetly no appointments so it might have to be A&E. She is much premier though.

Perkier

Call 111

Call 111. It's probably nothing and she might have just pulled it when she was sick but not worth the risk imo. Wouldn't go to A&E though - isn't there an OOH?

Fwiw a bug has been going round my kids school with a sore neck as a symptom but not with such a high temp.

I hope it isn't anything to worry about. DD has just got over a fluey type bug that gave her a headache with a stiff neck.

Thanks everyone. x

There seems to be an awful lot going around at the moment, feeling quite ill now myself with very sore throat!

111 will tell you to take her to A&E immediately with a story of headache, fever and neck stiffness. I would take her tonight to either OOH GP or A&E. Hope she is ok OP.

My DS had something like this too that started with a stiff neck and sore throat. He also had temp. It turned into tonsillitis but recovered v quickly.
I did text my DS who was at work in A&E at the time to ask whether I should be worried about meningitis and he checked on him when he got home a few hours later. Temp was upper 37, which he said was less of a worry. In your place though I'd probably call 111 though.

She must see someone tonight with those symptoms. Far better to go and find it isn't something like meningitis than to not go and miss it. If you haven't already please get her seen.

How is she today MrsW?

Hi, thanks for asking. I haven't had a chance to update because I've been really ill!!! She is ok today, and fine overnight. my hubby has taken her to visit his parents nearby. Dr said viral but maybe the beginnings of Scarlett Fever so took a swab. Overnight I developed a severe sore throat, shivers and a bit of a headache, so I must have caught it from her!

Oh no :( hope you get plenty of rest today.