Viral meningitis is more common, but bacterial meningitis is more serious. It can lead to brain damage, paralysis, or stroke. In some cases, it can be fatal. Many different types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Vaccines are available that target many of these bacteria.
For this reason, it's important to know what's causing meningitis. Even though all types affect the same area of the body, they can have different outcomes and need different treatments. Experts don't always know why meningitis happens. Some people get it when their immune system is weak or they've recently been sick. A head injury may also increase risk.
Bacterial meningitis is more common in infants under 1 year of age and people ages 16 to College students living in dorms or other close quarters are at increased risk. Also at risk are adults with certain medical problems, including those without a spleen.
Symptoms typically come on quickly, in as little as a couple of hours or up to a day or two. If you think you or your child may have meningitis, go to an emergency room right away. To diagnose this condition, a healthcare provider will do a spinal tap also called a lumbar puncture to take a sample of fluid from around the spinal cord.
The fluid is then tested for bacteria. The healthcare provider will also ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Prompt treatment of bacterial meningitis is crucial.
It can save your life. Despite this, there are still causes of meningitis and septicaemia for which no vaccines are available, Symptoms in toddlers Teenagers and young adults Teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal bacteria. Symptoms in teens and young adults Older adults Adults over the age of 65 are also at an increased risk of certain types of meningitis.
Symptoms in adults. Geography and environment. Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions can put people at higher risk of meningitis and septicaemia. Contact with a case. Babies and toddlers are at increased risk of menigitis Robbie Jones contracted meningococcal disease at 21 months resulting in his left leg being amputated below the knee, the right leg above the knee and the loss of fingers on his left hand.
What are meningitis and septicaemia? Meningitis and septicaemia are serious, life threatening illnesses. Read more. Causes of meningitis and septicaemia. Find out more. What's the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis?
Dr Fiona McGill answers one of our most frequently asked questions. Read the blog. What is the 'meningitis rash'? So, what actually is it? Alert students to the importance of meningitis vaccines. Donate now. Not all bacteria that cause meningitis are spread from one person to another.
You can also develop bacterial meningitis after eating certain foods containing the Listeria bacterium, such as:. Meningitis-causing bacteria are more likely to attack the membranes of your brain after a trauma such as:. Additionally, babies and people with weak immune systems are more likely to develop bacterial meningitis. Some types of bacterial meningitis can be prevented through immunizations. There are vaccines that protect against pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Hib, all of which cause meningitis.
Vaccinations are key to the prevention of meningitis. See your doctor to make sure your vaccinations, and those of your children, are up-to-date. Bacterial meningitis can lead to severe health complications, such as stroke and brain damage.
It can even be fatal. Complications of the disease are often permanent. Other serious possible complications include:. If you are experiencing symptoms of bacterial meningitis, seek medical care immediately. The disease can usually be treated with antibiotics. If meningitis is caught early enough a patient can make a full recovery with few or no lingering effects. But the best way to combat meningitis is to prevent it through vaccination and sound health practices.
Understanding the causes of meningitis and how it spreads will help you stay healthy and keep you from experiencing this dangerous disease. Certain factors place young adults at increased risk of getting meningitis. Learn about how lifestyle factors and vaccines can help you avoid this…. Meningitis is frequently misunderstood, yet can cause serious harm and is sometimes fatal. Learn how to the spot the early signs and symptoms of an….
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