Meningitis Symptoms & Concerns: A Parent's Guide to Recognizing and Addressing Potential Risks

Question
i have a fever of 102 F and my neck hurts. I think i might have meningitis. I told my mom and she told me we have to go to the hospital, but then I lied and said i feel better and it just hurt when i was laying down. i'm really scared to go to the hospital. i have this extreme phobia of pain and i don't want to get an IV and such. I am 12 years old and a girl, just to let you know. I know it was wrong to lie, because i read that if you don't get it treated quickly you could go into a come or possibly even die, so now I'm really scared because I don't want to die, but I don't want to go to the hospital! And my mom and I are babysitting my 3-week old nephew and I'm scared he will get it too. Please help! should i come clean and say i want to go to the hospital? I know I sound really immature for lying but i'm terrified of hospitals!!

Answer
you already know the answer to your question..... you have examined the situation... you have to get this evaluated.... it might be strep throat also which has to have antibiotics to protect against the long term severe complications..... tell your mom about your fear of hospitals, tell the nurse.... and hopefully you will get a compassionate one that will help calm your fears....

I see a lot of people your age in the ER and I realize it is a scary place.  But, the consequences of not treating a potential severe illness might be really bad... and you don't want to have your nephew at risk either.......   Good luck with it.... you will find the worse part will be your fear when you look back on it.