After-effects

Most children who have suffered from meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia will make a good recovery despite having been very ill. However, it may take time and will require patience and support.

The physical after-effects of meningitis and septicaemia can be temporary or permanent. They can range from mild, such as headaches and tiredness, to severe, such as hearing loss. The younger the child, the harder it is for them to tell you how they feel. Some children may get one minor illness after another. All this is quite common and should improve in time, but may take weeks or months.

Seeing your child seriously ill will have a huge impact on you.  Emotions hit us in different ways at different stages - many parents tell us that they “coped well” during the critical stages of the illness, only to feel overwhelmed by their strong emotions later. Talk to your child about what he has been through and share your experiences with others, because this can play a very positive part in your whole family's recovery. Remember that the Meningitis Trust is here to help you too.

For more detailed information about the after-effects of meningitis download our After Meningitis booklet  here.  If you need more information or you have any questions please call our 24 hour nurse-led helpline 

or