My daughter is two years old and recovering from meningitis. She is now attending a nursery again.
I am concerned about her because she shows little interest in her food due to her illness.
Could you tell me how this affects her learning, behaviour and her social interaction?
I'm so glad to hear that your daughter is recovering from her meningitis and is now back at nursery.
You don't say how long ago she came out of hospital, but it's not unusual for a child who has had meningitis to have a poor appetite for a while, as well as being more tired than usual for several weeks after the illness.
Some children are upset by their experiences in hospital (being in a strange place, separated from one or other parent at times, missing home, having blood tests and so on) and this may cause them to become more 'clingy' than before or to have temper tantrums.
Your daughter may feel more anxious than before her illness so don't worry if she behaves differently at home or at nursery for a while.
With time she will probably settle down and be back to her 'old self' again.
Most people who survive meningitis make a complete recovery, but sometimes there can be after-effects due to brain damage caused by the infection.
Clumsiness, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, memory loss and difficulty concentrating affect some people.
Hearing impairment occurs in about one third of those who have had meningitis so your daughter's hearing should be tested – probably within eight weeks of her leaving hospital.
If the meningitis did not cause any brain damage then it shouldn't cause any long-term problems with your daughter's learning ability or social behaviour.
However, if you notice any physical or behavioural changes which don't seem to be settling down over the next month or so, do take her along to see your GP.
The NetDoctor Medical Team