Decode misunderstandings about meningitis

Meningitis is an infection in the protective membrane around the brain and spinal cord and can cause a fever, vomiting, cold limbs and stiff neck.

Bacteria that cause meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is most common in young children and adolescents who can have serious side effects, even death.

Infection occurs in membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, which can be difficult to detect.

The disease can cause fever, vomiting, stiff neck and cold hands and feet. There may be a specific rash that does not fade when pressed but not always.

Meningitis is usually spread by coughing and sneezing from people who carry bacteria or viruses but are not infected themselves.

Winter is the peak season of meningitis , because bacteria can easily enter the body when they have colds and flu. That is why at this time of year people are aware of symptoms and ensure children are up to date on vaccinations.

Winter is the peak season of meningitis.

Even doctors may not be able to diagnose the disease in the early stages, so it is important to know the symptoms and parents need to believe in their instincts.

Meningitis and septicemia, also known as blood poisoning are deadly diseases that can attack quickly.

Both cause sepsis, a complication in which the organs of the body begin to stop functioning in a rare but extremely dangerous overreaction of the immune system.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Anyone can get sick, but people at risk include children under 5, between 15 and 24 and over 45 years old.

People who are exposed to secondhand smoke or are immunocompromised like patients on chemotherapy are also at greater risk.

The most common forms of meningitis are bacteria and viruses .

The common symptoms of both include:

1. Pale, pale skin with a non-translucent rash when pressed with a slide.
2. Hard neck.
3. Fear of light.
4. Fever, hands feet cold.
5. Vomiting.
6. Li.
7. Severe headache.

Bacterial meningitis

1. Bacterial meningitis requires urgent treatment in the hospital with antibiotics.
2. About 10% of bacterial meningitis deaths.
3. Among the survivors, one third suffered complications, including brain damage and deafness.
4. Amputation of the limb is a potential side effect if a blood infection (blood poisoning) occurs.
5. There are vaccines against certain strains of bacteria that cause meningitis, such as tuberculosis.

Meningitis virus

1. The virus is rarely life-threatening but can cause long-term sequelae, such as headaches, fatigue and memory problems.
2. Every year thousands of people suffer from viral meningitis in the UK.
3. Treatment focuses on rehydration, painkillers and rest.
4. Although ineffective, antibiotics can be used when patients go to the hospital only in case they are infected with bacterial meningitis.

What meningococcal vaccines are available?

1. Meningitis B (Men B) : Meningococcal vaccine B is a new drug that protects against group B meningococcal bacteria, a common cause of meningitis in young children.
2. The vaccine is recommended for eight-week-old babies, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks and a repeat dose after one year.
3. Meningitis C (Men C) : Meningococcal vaccine C has a protective effect against meningococcal C bacteria. Children are vaccinated with Men C when they are one year old. Adolescents and first-year college students can also be vaccinated in the composition of MenACWY injections.
4. ACWY (Men ACWY) : Meningococcal ACWY vaccine protects against meningococcal bacteria group A, C, W and Y.

Adolescents, elderly people in their 60s and first year college students are advised to get vaccinated.

There is no vaccine against viral meningitis, but this is a less serious condition.