My dad is fighting meningitis for the second time, now aged 68. He was admitted to hospital on Thursday night. The meningitis was easier for us to spot this time having been through the same thing exactly 7 years ago. Symptoms were blinding headache, rapidly rising temperature, severe pain in back, neck and legs, sensitivity to light, confusion, delirious, writhing about in agony. The vomiting came the following day in hospital. No rash as yet and this is the 3rd day. The symptoms are, yes, like many other cold and flu like illnesses, but I would say much more severe and the onset and deterioration in patient condition is rapid. So if in doubt, phone for an ambulance or go to your nearest casualty. Staff in A and E seemed slow to react to us as we were convinced it was the meningitis back again and know that speed is of the essence. Dad walked to the ambulance about 7.30pm and when I next saw him at 9pm in Casualty there had been a very rapid deterioration in his condition. Be prepared to fight and speak for the patient as my dad was so ill he was unable to communicate. 3 days on he is more settled and there is slight improvement but he is still very ill. Our early fears that the meningitis were back have been proved and after a lumbar puncture just yesterday, he was diagnosed, although they were already treating him for meningitis. His temperature is still proving difficult to stabilse and that is cause for concern. Brain function is certainly affected, he is easily confused and has a vacant look in his eyes. Still early days. Hoping he will show signs of improvement soon. We were told the first 48 - 72 hours are crucial. The diagnosis, treatment and care in that time is crucial too.

I'm concerned that the article does not say that Pale colour is not a reliable sign. I lost my daughter on the 9th January 2011. Her symptoms were as follows: Would not drink night time milk, Started to moaning in the night, Was difficult to wake in the morning Very grey in colour Would not drink Temperature, she vomited only after the hospital administered nurphen. She was diagnosed with vomiting bug and discharged from hospital after 45minutes. Withing 4 hours the rash had appeared and three hours later she was dead. She was only 23months old so could not say if she couldn't stand the light or had neck stiffness. I'm worried that doctors are decoming narrow minded when looking for meningitis symptoms and due to budget constraints will not act unless all the meningitis boxes are ticket. My heart goes out to any family affected by this horrible dease. The only hope is a vaccine so please support MeningitusUK who are funding this research as no government will.