How do people get meningitis?

Bacteria or viruses that cause meningitis can easily spread by saliva, feces, or mucus of the infected individual through cough, sneeze or close contact. Indirect contact such as sharing personal items such as towels can also increase the risk of getting meningitis. Do not come in close contact with infected people and get vaccinated, if you are traveling to an endemic area to protect yourself from the disease.

What are the early signs of meningitis?

The early symptoms of meningitis include fever, vomiting, headache, and tiredness. As the disease progresses one may feel pain in the limbs, pale skin, and cold hands and feet. One may also notice a rash, stiffness in the neck, confusion, and irritability to bright lights.

Can meningitis go away on its own?

In the case of viral meningitis, there is no specific treatment and the patient usually recovers in 7-10 days. However, bacterial meningitis requires timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and mortality. If left untreated, this infection can lead to brain damage or even death. Antibiotics are quite helpful in eliminating bacteria.

What should I eat for meningitis?

If you are recovering from meningitis, it is advised to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet that supports your immune system. Include a lot of fresh green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains in your diet to have a speedy recovery from the disease. Do not eat junk and fried food as it can make you even more lethargic.

How can I prevent meningitis?

The best way to protect yourself from bacterial meningitis is by getting vaccinated. Vaccines contain a weakened, or dead particle of the disease-causing pathogens that builds your immunity towards this condition. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against viral meningitis, therefore one must take general precautions such as washing hands, covering your mouth, and reducing exposure to sick people in order to prevent meningitis.

Meningitis

Written By Dr. Sakshi JainMS, BDS

Reviewed By Dr. Sachin Gupta

MD Pharmacology, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Overview

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the covering of the brain and spinal cord. The most common symptoms of this disease include decreased consciousness, seizures, lethargy, confusion, high fever, rashes, rapid breathing, and stiffness in the neck.

Meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites or non-infectious causes like cancers, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), certain medications, head injury, and brain surgery. Poor vaccination, advanced age, chronic health problems, poor sanitation, and living in high endemic areas are the major risk factors of meningitis.

Meningitis is an emergency which requires immediate medical attention. Bacterial meningitis is treated by antibiotics and steroids, whereas viral meningitis is usually managed by supportive treatment. Timely management is necessary to avoid severe complications such as hearing loss, memory problems, speech problems, and sepsis.

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Overview

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Diagnosis

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Prevention

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