PARENTS have been urged to brush up their knowledge when it comes to deadly meningitis and septicaemia.
Experts have now warned that the illness is 'more than a rash', after it was revealed just one in 20 know the key signs of the conditions.
The new poll also revealed that mums were eight times more likely than dads to know what to look out for when it comes to the deadly bugs.
Conducted by the Meningitis Research Foundation, the survey highlights the knowledge gap Brits have.
Today is World Meningitis Day and experts warned that not enough parents know the other signs, aside from a rash, that they should be looking for.
Meningitis and septicaemia are closely connected diseases, because they are both caused by the same bacteria.
Sometimes, symptoms can resemble that of the flu, especially at the beginning of the illness.
Those most at risk from the illnesses are kids under five, teenagers and young adults.
Claire Wright, head of evidence and policy at the Meningitis Research Foundation, said parents should think of septicaemia as blood poisoning caused by the same bacteria as meningitis.
She added: “Every day we support people who are coping with the life-changing impact of meningitis and septicaemia, from deafness, to limb loss, to epilepsy or long-term memory issues.
“Yet the bacteria that trigger these illnesses can be defeated in our lifetime through better vaccine development, availability and uptake, improved diagnostic tests and through knowing when to get medical help.
“It’s also important to remember meningitis and septicaemia are more than just a rash, which doesn’t always appear.
“This poll tells us that not enough parents are aware of some of the other signs to look out for.
“We want to change that, so more lives can be saved.”
Carried out by YouGov, the poll also revealed that more than three quarters of parents (78 per cent) knew that meningitis, which is caused by bacteria infecting the lining surrounding the brain and spine, is life-threatening and can kill within 24 hours.
The majority understood that the bugs could cause a rash and most knew that if you have meningitis, you could struggle with bright lights.
However, many parents were less aware of other symptoms.
Those most typically associated with septicaemia such as cold and and shivering feet - were recognised by less than a third of parents.
Around 33 per cent also didn't realise breathing fast or breathlessness was a sign, with 43 per cent also not knowing that mottled skin was an indicator of illness.
Parents had some awareness of other signs of meningitis, such as a stiff neck and a severe headache.
The poll found 69 per cent of mums could recognise at least half the symptoms, compared to 33 per cent of dads.
Just 15 per cent of dads knew none of the signs, compared to four per cent of mums.
One dad, who's little boy contracted meningitis in December 2021, said this lack of knowledge 'needs to change'.
James Vincent said he had little understanding before his son George, 3, contracted meningitis.
The 41-year-old said he had been suffering with symptoms including a fever, loss of appetite and lethargy.
James, who lives in Barrowash, Derbyshire added: “I knew nothing about meningitis.
“I knew something about a rash and a glass, but George didn’t have those symptoms and there are so many more, but often people aren’t aware of them."
Since his meningitis battle, little George has suffered with hearing loss and is currently on the road to recovery.
