How do people get meningitis?

How do people get meningitis?

Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or — rarely — some surgeries.

What happens when you have meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly.

How serious is meningitis?

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.

What are the 3 types of meningitis?

The three types of meningitis are viral meningitis, fungal meningitis, and bacterial meningitis. The meninges are membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis occurs when these membranes become inflamed, potentially causing serious complications for the nervous system.

Does meningitis go away by itself?

Viral meningitis (when meningitis is caused by a virus) is the most common type of meningitis. Most people get better on their own without treatment. However, anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor right away because any type of meningitis can be serious.

How long does meningitis last?

Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.

What can be mistaken for meningitis?

The infection may clear up on its own. Meningitis can be mistaken for the flu, dehydration, or gastroenteritis. It can also be overlooked because symptoms may be mild or not always apparent.

What is the best antibiotic for meningitis?

Commonly used meningitis treatments include a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, especially Claforan (cefotaxime) and Rocephin (ceftriaxone). Various penicillin-type antibiotics, aminoglycoside drugs such as gentamicin, and others, are also used.

Can a person survive meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is serious. Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.

Up to age five, the diseases most often suggesting meningitis were right-sided pneumonia, gastroenteritis, otitis, tonsillitis, exanthema subitum, and urinary tract infections.

When should I worry about meningitis?

You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned that you or your child could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and do not wait until a rash develops. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.

How does meningitis feel?

Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours – know the symptoms. The first symptoms are usually fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell. Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion.

Why is it important to know about Meningitis?

Meningitis can be a life-threatening illness so urgent medical treatment is needed. What is meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

What do the symptoms of meningitis look like?

The symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and include: The classic rash associated with meningitis usually looks like small, red pinpricks at first. But it will spread over the body and turn into red or purple blotches.

Which is the most dangerous form of meningitis?

Viral meningitis is usually a less dangerous form of meningitis and most commonly affects children. It can cause severe headaches. Viral meningitis is usually caused by viruses that live in fluids in the mouth and nose, and in faeces (poo).

How often does meningitis occur in the United States?

Most cases of meningitis that occur in the United States are not caused by a bacterial infection. But most of the very serious cases—those that result in death or permanent disability—are. Between 2003 and 2007, about 500 people died every year from bacterial meningitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is the most common form of meningitis?

ABSTRACT: Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis, affecting individuals of all ages. Enteroviruses constitute the most common host, followed by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus, and others.

What are the symptoms of menegitis?

The most common symptoms of either form of meningitis include: Fever. Severe and persistent headache. Stiff and painful neck, especially when trying to touch the chin to the chest. Vomiting. Confusion and decreased level of consciousness. Seizures.

What is meningitis and can it be prevented?

Bacterial meningitis is one of the most dangerous infections in children. Meningitis can be swift and deadly. It can also lead to chronic disability. The fear of meningitis often haunts parents. Thankfully, most cases of bacterial meningitis can now be prevented.

What does meningitis refer to?

Meningitis refers to inflammation of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain. It is primarily caused by bacterial or viral infections. It can harm or destroy nerve cells and cause bleeding in the brain.