General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Meningococci can cause meningitis or a serious bloodstream infection. A suspected infection needs urgent care: this is not a question to leave until your next routine prevention appointment or a planned discussion about vaccines.
Fever with a severe headache, a stiff neck or altered consciousness needs urgent medical advice. Signs differ with age, so do not wait for a complete checklist of symptoms to develop before seeking help.
Red or purple spots that do not fade when pressed are an extreme emergency warning. Call 15 or 112 immediately in France. Do not wait for an appointment to see how the spots develop.
In a baby, unusual drowsiness, refusing feeds, grey or mottled skin, or being floppy and poorly responsive also warrant a call to 15 or 112 for urgent advice and help.
Outside symptoms, vaccination is reviewed according to age and history. Recommendations distinguish babies and adolescents, and cover different meningococcal groups. A professional checks the appropriate schedule; vaccination is not a promise of protection against every form of meningitis.
You can note a prevention question for a later discussion. The Mon bilan prévention page explains its conditions; it never replaces calling emergency services or having concerning signs assessed.
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Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.