World Meningitis Day

World Meningitis Day

Today is World Meningitis Day. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord. It’s a viral infection that can also be accompanied by a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections are considered incredibly severe, and could possibly lead to death.

Symptoms of Meningitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, meningitis has some telltale signs that you may have contracted the disease. The symptoms of meningitis for an adult include a headache with nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, sudden fever, stiff neck, no appetite or thirst, and a rash.

Newborn symptoms are a little different. These include fever, constant crying, poor feeding, stiffness, a bulge on the soft spot of the head, excessive sleepiness, irritability, and inactivity. If you think you or your child has any of these symptoms you should see a physician right away.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors involved with Meningitis. You may have heard that young people are susceptible to this disease. That would be from being in close quarters with others including college dorms, military bases, and child care. People who do not vaccinate themselves are amongst a dangerous crowd.

Individuals with compromised immune systems are also in a risky crowd. This is due in part to having almost no immune system to combat the virus. This is called Immunodeficiency. In most cases of immunodeficiency is acquired secondary due to exterior factors. Some examples of these exterior factors are AIDS, alcoholism, diabetes, age, and environmental factors such as nutrition. If you have a compromised immune system, this should immediately be expressed to your primary care physician. An immune deficiency leaves individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections, in addition to normal infections that could affect everyone.

How to Prevent Meningitis

Preventing meningitis is almost the same as practicing a healthy lifestyle on a regular basis. You should cover your mouth, have good hygiene, wash your hands, eat well, exercise, and get a sufficient amount of rest. The most effective way to prevent meningitis is to get vaccinated against the disease. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated at the age of 11 or 12 with a follow-up booster between the ages of 16 and 18. Remember, meningitis can be contracted when you come in contact with respiratory or throat secretions such as saliva, sputum, and nasal mucus. It’s important to not share items like drinking glasses, water bottles, and lipsticks with others.

Your immune system works to fight off infections when you get them. Having a healthy immune system can help prevent an infection from the viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis. To help keep your immune system fighting those infections efficiently be sure to eat fresh fruits an vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins accompanied by regular exercise and the right amount of sleep.

Final Thoughts

Has this article educated you about World Meningitis Day? Have you ever had meningitis? Have you every met anyone who did? Do you believe that living a health lifestyle is key to avoiding ailments? Do you yourself lead a healthy lifestyle? Comment below!