Meningitis FAQ

You know when they say the symptoms of meningitis are commonly a headache and a stiff neck and perhaps purple blotches on the skin that don’t pale when pressed…well…it can be far worse than that and can kill. If you’re in a vulnerable group, make sure you’re vaccinated. It is highly recommended that new university and college students are vaccinated because meningitis is far worse than a spot of “fresher’s flu” (usually just a cold) and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, close contact and kissing infected people and even just sharing kitchen utensils. If it doesn’t kill it can lead to amputation where tissues in the feet or hands have died, for instance. Graphic photos of youngster, Charlene Colechin, hospital shown on the BBC site today are fair warning! What is meningitis? Meningitis is acute inflammation (the itis bit of the name) of meninges, the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. What causes meningitis? Infection by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms (fungi like Cryptococcus and Histoplasma), and far less commonly certain drugs, can cause meningitis (mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulins). Viral meningitis is fairly common but rarely fatal, while bacterial forms are less common but are extremely dangerous and can be fatal. One common bacterium that causes meningitis is meningococcus, which can lead to both meningitis and sep...
Source: David Bradley Sciencebase - Songs, Snaps, Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Science Source Type: blogs