Table of Contents
Introduction to Meningitis; Bacterial Meningitis; Viral Meningitis; Difference Between Viral Meningitis and Bacterial Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. There are several different types of meningitis, each caused by a different type of infection.
Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type of meningitis. It is caused by bacteria that invade the meninges and spread to the brain. Bacterial meningitis can be fatal, and even if it is not fatal, it can cause serious long-term health problems.
Viral meningitis is a less serious type of meningitis. It is caused by a virus, and is usually not fatal. However, viral meningitis can cause long-term health problems, such as hearing loss, seizures, or learning disabilities.
The main difference between viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis is the cause of the infection. Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria, while viral meningitis is caused by a virus.
Meningitis Symptoms
Symptoms of meningitis can occur a few days after exposure to the bacteria or virus, or they may take weeks to develop. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of meningitis include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Lack of energy
- loss of appetite
Stages of Meningitis
There are five stages of meningitis:
1. Acute meningitis: This is the initial stage of meningitis, and is marked by the sudden onset of symptoms. These symptoms may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, and vomiting.
2. Subacute meningitis: This stage is marked by a worsening of the symptoms seen in the acute stage. In addition, the patient may also experience a loss of appetite, weight loss, and a decrease in the level of consciousness.
3. Chronic meningitis: This stage is marked by a gradual onset of symptoms. These symptoms may include a persistent headache, fever, and a lack of energy. In addition, the patient may also experience a decrease in the level of consciousness and seizures.
4. Acute encephalitis: This stage is marked by the sudden onset of symptoms. These symptoms may include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and seizures.
5. Chronic encephalitis: This stage is marked by a gradual onset of symptoms. These symptoms may include a persistent headache, fever, and a lack of energy. In addition, the patient may also experience a decrease in the level of consciousness and seizures.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal vaccine is a vaccine that protects against meningococcal disease, a serious infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. The vaccine is recommended for people who are at increased risk of meningococcal disease, including:
People who are planning to travel to or live in countries where meningococcal disease is common.
People who are at increased risk of meningococcal disease, such as people with a weakened immune system, people who have a chronic health condition, or people who smoke cigarettes. People who are age 16 through 23 years old.
The vaccine is given as a shot in the arm.
Meningococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria can cause meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and sepsis (a life-threatening condition caused by infection in the blood). Meningococcal disease is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in the United States. Each year, about 2,600 people in the United States get meningococcal disease, including about 100 who die. Meningococcal disease often occurs without warning and can progress rapidly. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing serious illness or death.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is a vaccine that helps protect against meningococcal disease. The vaccine is made with pieces of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. These pieces are linked to a protein that helps the body create immunity. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is used to help protect children ages 2 through 10 years old and adolescents ages 11 through 18 years old from getting meningococcal disease.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is very effective in preventing meningococcal disease. A single dose of the vaccine is 85% to 95% effective in preventing disease caused by the serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Two doses of the vaccine are 98% effective in preventing serogroup B disease.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is given as a shot. Children ages 2 through 10 years old need one dose of the vaccine. Adolescents ages 11 through 18 years old need two doses of the vaccine, given 6 to 12 months apart.
