Meningitis

We are thinking about meningitis today because it is World Meningitis Day.  This is an important day because this disease is a worldwide problem and the hope is that it can be eradicated by the year 2030.

You may not be aware of details about meningitis so we hope to share information to help explain a bit to help to raise awareness.  

Meningitis is an illness that causes inflammation of the tissues that surround your brain and spinal cord.  The two most common forms are viral and bacterial.

In the United States, the viral form is up to 75,000 each year.  Any age can contract meningitis, including the elderly.   The more serious bacterial illness has about 2,600 cases in a year, mostly in children ages 5 and under.

• Viral meningitis is the most common and while it can be painful, it will often resolve without medical intervention.

• Bacterial meningitis is much more serious as it can be deadly and you must receive immediate treatment.

Additionally, there are a few other forms but these are extremely rare.

You contract meningitis from viral infections however this does only happen in a few people.  

Your most common symptoms would be a sudden fever, headache and a stiff next.  A diagnosis is obtained by blood tests, lumbar puncture or an EEG.  You could also have a CT scan or MRI if needed.

The key to treating this illness is early detection.  This helps determine the course of treatment and improve your chances of recovery.

Private Home Health Care would love to have this disease wiped out.  We hope that sharing some facts about this illness will help spread awareness.