How do you judge meningitis/septicaemia symptoms vs virus/cold

[TitsalinaBumSquash]

Just that really, this isn't a thread because I'm worried btw, my 3yr old has woken up today with a fever, grotty and no appetite but I'm not concerned, calpol, plenty of fluid and let her sleep is my plan of action.

However, if I were to look up fever, irritable, cold feet (which she had earlier) I'd be directed to website upon website telling me these are symptoms of septicaemia and not to wait for a rash.
I wonder how many parents sit there worrying their child who has a cold/virus type thing like my DD might have something serious and how you make that judgement call?

@TitsalinaBumSquash hope your daughter is okay. I'm having similar with my ds now, how was your dd? It's so worrying what to do for the best x

She was fine after a day or 2, I hope your little one improves soon, it's so worrying.

I think if your instincts are telling you to be worried then ALWAYS call your GP or 111 if our of hours.

That being said a couple of things that i’ve found helpful are:

1. The NICE fever traffic light guide -

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg160/resources/support-for-education-and-learning-educational-resource-traffic-light-table-189985789

1. A lovely GP said to me that the rate of deterioration is very telling with little ones - if it is something nasty they will likely go downhill fast.

So grotty but not alarming you and not worsening is probably just a coldly type bug.

Glad your daughter is better.
He has woke up now and does seem a little better, I know I was probably overreacting but it really worried me. Thanks for the advice Dino x