Meningitis !!!

[CCIH]

My DD's dad has been really ill in hospital for a few days, (we're not together so baby doesn't live with him) I've been visiting him daily for a couple hours (without baby obviously). He just rang me to say a nurse has told him he's got meningitis and that it's contagious.

I wore a mask when I was in there and washed my hands frequently but I am absolutely shitting myself that she's gonna end up catching it. I'm gonna phone the doctor tomorrow and see if there's anything they can do. Not really sure why I'm writing this post other than for reassurance

Usually the hospital or public health get in touch with close contacts and give antibiotics. I'm not 100% sure on the criteria for close contacts so definitely speak to your gp tomorrow.

Thank you 🙏

Hopefully he will have declared you as a close contact and they will give antibiotics as a PP said. If not ring the ward and ask their advice.

Did he say viral or bacterial?

I suspect viral (which is generally less severe) if he's been in for a few days, as bacterial doesn't really let you hang about, in which case it isn't really contagious and I'm fairly certain you don't need antibiotics.

My friend had viral meningitis a few years ago. She said to me "I have such a bad headache, I'm wondering if it's meningitis."
I suggested she saw the doctor to which she said she had an appointment in a few hours time.

Later I said to her that I was really impressed that she'd diagnosed herself while obviously feeling rotten. She told me that she thought she was being overly dramatic 🤣
However she was told that she didn't need to worry about contacts (inc her children which was her big worry) as it wasn't really infectious.

Thank you for your reply! He doesn't know if it's viral or bacterial or not yet, he hasn't had a lumbar puncture or anything. If I'm honest the hospital have really been dragging their feet- he slept in a chair in a&e on a drip for the first 2 days. I'm thinking it must be viral too but he's got it really bad- he's lost control of his bowels, is throwing up blood, can't take any light so they've left him in a dark room, head is in agony etc. He's on morphine and paracetamol for the pain. I don't know much about meningitis but he's in such a bad way - could it just be viral? Idk. Sorry for rambling

Thank you!

Viral meningitis can be really nasty. Someone I know slightly had it and was really Ill with it. I don't think it's contagious though.

I've tried googling but it all seems pretty vague/ contradicting advice. I'll try not to worry until the morning. Thank you for your reply

Hope everything is OK OP? Or better than it was x

He's managed to catch influenza A from being in hospital so now I'm stressing that he may have had that while I was visiting him. I'm still just petrified my daughter might catch something. I phoned my doctor and they just said go to a&e but I think she's more likely to catch something there! I've started to feel slightly unwell but I'm just praying I'm being paranoid, or that it's just something minor

Well they can’t of diagnosed bacterial meningitis without a lumbar puncture. Is he still in hospital with flu? What did the GP tell you to go to A&E for?

He only had his LP done a few hours ago but they've told him results can be up to 4 days! I explained the situation to my GP and that I was feeling unwell, and he just told me to go to my local urgent care centre to get checked out. But I don't want to potentially catch something when I could be fine. I feel so stressed idk what to do for the best 😩

There is SO much about at the moment. And because you're consciously and probably subconsciously thinking about it too.. you're mind is doing over time and your mind could be tricking you in to thinking you're ill. Don't over think it - I know it's easier said than done. If you are genuinely feeling poorly and you get worse - get seen. Think about it this way - it's no different to walking around a hospital not knowing who you're walking past and what they have/why they're there.. or walking down the street and someone having it unknowingly. It's no different to sending your child into a school setting, group, soft play not knowing what others may be carrying or have wrong with them. Unless you avoid all them places because of this same worry - then don't over worry and panic/ stress now just because it's a relative of hers. Just stick to using good ole common sense and if you're showing signs - get seen or ring for advice. I hope this makes sense 😂 I just know how much my health anxiety playing up can make me poorly .. you don't need to be making yourself ill by worrying and stressing x

You're absolutely right, since he rang me to tell me he's got influenza a I started feeling worse. I think it's definitely in my head at least partly. I've been checking mine and DD's temperatures and they're both fine, I've been checking her for rashes and nothing. Think I just need to chill the fuck out lol. Thank you for your replies, if I do start feeling genuinely unwell I think I'll call 111 and see if they can prescribe antibiotics and if not just bite the bullet and go to hospital
X

@CCIH and that's understandable. And how it would work in my head. When DS had 2 cases of strep a week before last in his preschool, I was panicked. The slightest thing with my ds and I was freaking. I was freaking out over nothing, giving myself a migraine due to stress etc. I'm the same with anything health related that's either really contagious or horrible/bad to catch so I can sympathise.
Try and switch your brain off tonight - do something that relaxes you, something you enjoy doing or watching.. give yourself a break for at least tonight! Xx

Honestly the thought of DC's becoming ill especially at a time when the nhs is so up the wall is so scary!
But I guess just have to cross that bridge IF we come to it. Thank you sm, hope you have a lovely Xmas x

I feel you!! I have 3 DCs all at different schools and I hate the thought of so many different germs coming home haha.
Don't thank me - it's what MN is for!
Thank you- I hope you do too! Let's pray for a germ free one 🥴🤣xx