Meningitis

What is meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the tissue around your brain and spiral cord. There are two main types of meningitis: viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis.

Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious form of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is the least common but most serious form of meningitis.

Meningitis symptoms

Viral meningitis symptoms include:

• Fever
• Low energy
• Poor appetite
• Irritability
• Feeling tired
• Stiff neck

Bacterial meningitis symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Light sensitivity

Since symptoms of both forms of meningitis are similar to the flu, this can delay treatment and put you at greater risk for complications. A serious case of untreated bacterial meningitis can cause stroke, hearing loss, permanent brain damage and even death.

Who is at risk for meningitis

Viral and bacterial meningitis affect people of all ages. However, most people who get meningitis are children, adolescents and adults over 85. People living in close quarters—like in dorms, in nursing homes and at camp—are more likely to get meningitis.

Diagnosing and treating meningitis

Doctors can diagnose meningitis in a variety of ways. Some cases of meningitis can be identified by swabbing your nose and throat. Other cases of meningitis can be diagnosed via stool sample or by taking blood samples or spinal fluid samples.

The type of meningitis you’re diagnosed with will determine your treatment plan. Bacterial meningitis is treated by antibiotics, while antiviral medication may be used for viral meningitis. Doctors may also treat symptoms with IV fluids and painkillers.

For more serious cases of meningitis, you may have to stay at a hospital.

Preventing meningitis

Bacterial meningitis can be prevented with a vaccine. Children should get the vaccine at 11 years and a booster at 16 years.  A discussion with your doctor will be helpful to know if any other vaccines might be needed.

While there is no vaccine for viral meningitis, good hygiene can help you prevent it. To help prevent viral meningitis:

• Don’t share food or drinks with others
• Avoid touching unsanitary objects like dirty diapers, dirty tissues and used towels
• Avoid hugging, kissing or touching someone who you know is sick
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands
• Wash your hands regularly with soap
• Clean common objects like doorknobs, toys, strollers, highchairs, phones, etc.

If you are sick with meningitis, limit the physical interaction with others to prevent infecting them.