Meningitis is a viral or bacterial infection that can spread if not treated. Without early treatment, it can cause brain damage or even death. It highly affects children and is caused by bacteria known as Neisseria meningitidis.
This micro organism is found mostly in nose or throat in some people. And people who carry it are known as carriers. Carriers of meningitis can spread it to others through open-mouth kissing or sharing food utensils. They can also spread it by sneezing or coughing. Susceptible people have high chances of developing an infection after getting an exposure to the bacteria. Therefore, in order to prevent this type of diseases to develop in the body, one should take care of vaccinations.
Vaccinations for meningitis are available and given at young age with different doses.
Today, it is a lot easier and advanced vaccines have been introduced.
A routine vaccination for meningococcal conjugate is required. Children aged 11–12 years receive the first dose. A booster shot is given at 16–17 years. Older people over 55 can also receive the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine. However, unvaccinated people between 16 to 21 years of age are at high risk for developing meningitis.
The vaccination works in a way that immune system learns to recognize proteins on bacteria causing meningococcal meningitis. After recognition, it targets the bacteria and fights against it. For bacterial meningitis, antibiotics are also given but there also exists viral meningitis which is hard to treat but is rare. Viral meningitis can be cured with maintaining strong immune system. Immediate vaccination should be taken if you are about to travel certain susceptible regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
Meningitis can cause various symptoms. These include high fever, shivering, and a stiff neck. Hands and feet may feel cold. Other symptoms are severe headache, rapid breathing, muscle and joint aches, pale or bluish skin, drowsiness, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. All of these symptoms are very painful and one expects to get rid of those quickly which is often difficult. So, a preventive measure is best when it comes to meningitis. Many younger children develop early signs as symptoms that highlight some attention is needed.
For example :
Skin rash appears as small patches of dots or red rashes on body. By learning more about these symptoms, one can take immediate help from the doctor. It will help the child to get early treatment and be healthy. In addition, a child can also show excessive crying as a symptom if he or she is showing any signs of this disease. Everyone of us should make an effort to stop spreading of this dreadful disease by getting vaccinations and also making other people aware about it. This would help a lot in taking precautions against meningitis. Maintaining a hygienic atmosphere, eating well balanced food and regular exercises will help keep a healthy immune system and not catch any kind of infection.
