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Meningitis, some forms of which are known as the “college killer”, can be a
life threatening illness if treated incorrectly. First, what is it?
Basically it is an inflammation of the delicate membranes (the meninges)
that cover the brain. There are several kinds of meningitis, viral and
bacterial.
Viral meningitis is more common, and is rarely fatal. If treated properly
the person will make a full recovery. It is spread like the flu, by
coughing, sneezing, or exchanging germs in other ways. Antibiotics cannot
defeat the virus, but a vaccine may be available. Ask your doctor if you
have questions.
Bacterial meningitis is less common, but is very dangerous and can be fatal.
This form of meningitis is caused by a bacterial and is spread much the same
way. It cannot live outside the body for long, and cannot be picked up from
water sources. Bacterial meningitis can kill in as little as 24 hours, or
take as long as two days to become potentially fatal, so time is incredibly
valuable if this illness is suspected. Irreversible brain damage can be
caused in as little as couple hours in more severe cases. Antibiotics can be
used to treat this virus, but no vaccine is currently available.
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In both cases the
symptoms are flu-like. And may not appear all at once. (Non flu-like
symptoms below are marked with an * these symptoms may be signs of bacterial
meningitis.)
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Joint and muscle aches
- Seizures*
- Drowsiness
- Stiff neck and joints
- Dislike of light*
- Fever
- Septicemia*
And in young children:
- High pitched moaning
or whimpering*
- Dislike of being
handled*
- Fidgety and fretful*
- Very tired, weak,
drowsy even when awake
- Blank starring
expression*
- Arching back, and neck
retraction*
- Fever with possibly
cold hands and feet
- Refusing food or
vomiting
- Pale blotchy skin.*
- Septicemia*
Septicemia
is blood poisoning. This can develop very quickly
and is marked by red blotchy rashes all over the body. As soon as a single
rash is seen rush to the emergency room, or call for medical aid! These
rashes will stay red (rather than turn white) when pressed upon. A simple
test is to take a drinking glass and press it against the rash to see if it
changes color. This rash is a sign of bacterial meningitis.
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