Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround a person’s brain as well as their spinal cord. Meningitis is due to the spread of infection. Most of the cases of Meningitis are caused by a viral infection but can also be caused by a bacterial or fungus infection.
Some of the symptoms of Meningitis include a high fever, stiff neck, a severe headache, vomiting or nausea with headaches, confusion or difficulty concentrating, seizures, sleepiness or difficulty waking up, sensitivity to light, lack of interest in eating and drinking, and skin rash. Newborns that have Meningitis may experience symptoms such as high fever, constant crying, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, inactivity, seizures, and stiffness in the baby’s body.
Blood cultures, imaging, and even spinal taps are used to determine a diagnosis of Meningitis. Bacterial Meningitis requires treatment with antibiotics. Doctors may also recommend treatments for brain swelling, shock, convulsions, and dehydration. Viral Meningitis cannot be cured with any antibiotics. Most of the time viral Meningitis takes about a week to clear up on its own. For mild viral Meningitis, treatments can include bed rest, plenty of fluids, over the counter pain medication which will help to reduce fever and body aches.
Prevention for Meningitis include keeping hands washed, staying healthy, covering mouth when sneezing and coughing, and if pregnant, take care with food. Bacterial Meningitis is actually preventable with the Hib vaccine, PCV7 vaccine, PPSV vaccine, and the MCV4 vaccine. These vaccines depend on whether a person is a child or an adult. Doing as much as you can to prevent Meningitis is very important especially if you are someone who has already had it. Talk to your doctor to find out what is the best preventive treatment available for you. They will gladly help you out. It will benefit you.
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