Overview
Meningitis is an infection and swelling around the brain. The membrane around the brain and spinal cord is called the meninges. Some causes of meningitis include viral infections, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. In some cases, the meningitis can resolve itself without treatment. In other cases, it can be life-threatening, so treatment would need to happen quickly. You can learn more here
Causes, Remedies, and Precautions
Some symptoms can be based on how old the patient is. People who are older than 2 years have sudden high fever, seizures, sleepiness or trouble waking, and no desire to eat or drink. Newborns and infants have symptoms of being not active or sluggish, poor feeding, and bulge in the soft spot on top of the baby’s head.
A common form of meningitis is bacterial, which is most common in the US. Streptococcus pneumoniae is where vaccinations can prevent meningitis or ear or sinus infections. An interesting form of meningitis is listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria in cheeses as well as hot dogs and lunch meats can cause pregnant, newborns, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can be greatly effected. You can learn more here.
Risk factors that lead to meningitis are age, with children younger than 5 and some people over 20 years old. Living in close quarters like dorms or boarding schools as well as care facilities are places of a large amount of germs. A weakened immune system with AIDS, diabetes, and any medicines that lower the immune system can be a risk factor as well.
Some complications are hearing loss, trouble with vision, seizures, and kidney failure. Meningitis has a huge effect on the whole nervous system, so the lack of vaccines or increased risk factors can lead to long-term nervous system damage as well as change your whole way of living.
Ways you can prevent the spread of meningitis is through washing your hands and practicing good hygiene, such as not sharing drinks or any food. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze to minimize the spread of pathogens.
Other Facts
No vaccine can provide 100% protection against meningitis. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of meningitis. About 3,000 people in the US, or one in 100,000, are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis each year.
Interesting News
Meningitis can escalate very fast and people can become extremely unwell very quickly. Five to ten per cent of people with menitiist die even with rapid treatment. You can learn more here.