This publication from the HPA mostly summaries advice from the NICE guideline. Given it’s importance to us though, here’s a quick summary:
Who should you give antibiotics to if you suspect meningitis?
- If they have a non-blanching rash
- If you suspect meningococcal septicaemia
- If transfer to hospital could be delayed (eg in rural areas).
NB – you should not give antibiotics if you suspect meningitis, but there is just a blanching rash, as long as transfer to hospital will not be delayed.