Meningitis is a disease that can cause serious brain damage and death if precautions are not taken. It can affect people of all ages. However, it affects babies under the age of 1, preschool children and young people more.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a disease with a very high risk of death and sequelae after infection. It is a fatal disease and requires urgent medical care. Although meningitis can occur at any age, the risk is quite high in newborns and children under 1 year of age.
National Health Services (NHS) of the UK identifies the meningitis as one of the most dangerous diseases in children because their immune system is not fully developed. Meningitis, which seriously threatens human health, is transmitted through contact, cough and droplets. It is very important for parents to pay attention to the symptoms of the disease and start treatment without delay in order to prevent the disease from causing harm.
Various viruses can cause it
Various types of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites can cause this disease. Bacterial meningitis is the most common and dangerous type of meningitis. The most common types of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are Meningococcus, Pneumococcus, and H. Influenza Type B. The majority of deaths caused by meningitis are caused by the types of meningitis caused by these bacteria, according to the research.
It can cause serious brain damage and death
Meningitis is a disease that can cause serious brain damage and death if precautions are not taken. It can affect people of all ages. However, it affects babies under the age of 1, preschool children and young people more. Death and sequelae can be prevented with vaccination, early diagnosis and treatment.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) states that between 10-15 percent of cases are fatal, with another 10-15 percent causing brain damage and other serious side effects. If meningococcal meningitis is diagnosed, people in close contact with an infected individual should be given preventative antibiotics.
Meningococcal vaccines: The most effective way of protection
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MenACWY and MenB vaccines are safe and effective at preventing meningococcal disease. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. The most common side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe allergic reactions following vaccination are rare, but can be life threatening.
Combined vaccines administered during childhood and beyond provide protection against some factors that cause meningitis. However, the particularly common bacterial meningococcus factor, which is not included in the routine vaccination program, still maintains its importance. Meningococcal vaccines are given specifically to families who request them in many health centers.
Meningitis symptoms
Early symptoms of meningitis are similar to the flu. The main symptoms of meningitis appear within a few hours or a few days. Clinically, as age decreases, meningitis symptoms and signs lose their specificity.
The most common symptoms of meningitis are:
- Severe headache,
- Vomiting,
- High fever (38 degrees and above),
- neck stiffness,
- Sleeping state,
- Difficulty in concentration,
- do not transfer money,
- stiff neck,
- Difficulty looking at bright light,
- state of dizziness,
- confusion of consciousness,
- Cold hands and feet,
- Shake,
- rapid breathing,
- Joint and muscle pains.
Symptoms in babies:
In newborn babies, symptoms of meningitis such as high fever or below normal, moaning, high-pitched crying, slow movements, drowsiness and dizziness, convulsions, feeding difficulties, vomiting, swelling of the fontanel, and bending the head backwards may be observed.
Treatment may take up to 21 days
Definitive diagnosis of the disease is made only by lumbar puncture. Cerebrospinal fluid is taken from the vertebrae in the lumbar region with the help of a needle. As a result of the sample taken, relevant laboratory tests are performed and a diagnosis is made. In stable patients with suspected meningitis, lumbar puncture (LP) should definitely be performed along with appropriate blood tests. Depending on the type of microorganism that causes the disease, treatment lasts between 14 and 21 days, but this may vary depending on the person’s age and risk factors.
Can cause brain damage and hearing loss
Since the meningococcal vaccine is not included in the routine vaccination schedule, one may think that there is no need to get this vaccine and that the vaccines given are sufficient. Since meningitis is a disease that can lead to serious complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, and death if left untreated or vaccinated as a precaution, it is of great importance to get a meningitis vaccine to protect against the disease.
Is the meningitis vaccine safe?
According to the research article published on National Academies Press, although various vaccines against meningococcal disease have been available for more than 30 years, currently there is no vaccine to protect against all five of the pathogenic serogroups.
According to the fact sheet of Meningitis Research Foundation based in the United Kingdom, safety is carefully established in clinical trials before vaccines are introduced and by close monitoring throughout their use. For serious life-threatening diseases such as meningitis and septicaemia, acquiring immunity through immunisation is a far safer way to get protected than risking exposure to the diseases.
Since the meningitis vaccine is safe, there is no need to hesitate in getting the vaccine. Side effects of the vaccine, such as loss of appetite, fever, rash at the vaccinated area and fatigue, disappear in a short time. Meningitis vaccine can be given together with other vaccines.
Meningitis vaccines can be given starting from the second month. Doses may vary depending on the type of vaccine and starting age. Meningitis vaccine is a very protective and effective vaccine. Its protection is between 95 and 100 percent. Once vaccinated, a person will be immune to meningitis for life.
Caution: Meningitis is a medical emergency. If you are worried that you or someone you care for may have meningitis, go to your nearest emergency department.