Bacterial meningitis is a dangerous infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord that is caused by a variety of bacteria, according to MayoClinic.com. The classic symptoms are a severe headache, fever and a stiff neck, which may follow flu-like symptoms. Bacterial meningitis can cause permanent brain damage and death, but early treatment can prevent that. Anyone who thinks he has the disease should seek emergency medical care. The disease often results from contagious infections and can be prevented.
Medical Intervention
The meningococcal conjugate vaccine can help prevent a highly contagious form of the disease that affects mainly teenagers and young adults and has been linked to epidemics in college dormitories and other communal settings, according to MayoClinic.com. It can also be given to those already exposed to these bacteria to prevent meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends this vaccine be given to anyone between the ages of 11 and 18 who has not been vaccinated yet. Other vaccines provide protection from different bacteria that can cause meningitis. These include the haemophilus influenza type B vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. People who live or work with a person who has bacterial meningitis may need to take a short-course of antibiotics to prevent the disease.
Hygiene
Many of the bacteria that cause meningitis are spread through close contact with people who carry these bacteria, according to MayoClinic.com. This can include coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing utensils. People who live or work with someone who has the disease face an increased risk. Careful and frequent hand washing can reduce the risk of exposure. So can covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Also, it's best to avoid sharing eating utensils, toothbrushes, glasses or anything else with a person who has meningitis.
Healthy Steps
Many of the bacteria that cause meningitis are common, but most people don't get the disease from them because they are healthy and able to fight off the infection easily, according to MayoClinic.com. Getting adequate rest and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy immune system and prevent the problem. So can eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Pregnant women, who are susceptible to listeriosis, which can cause meningitis and birth defects, should avoid undercooked meat and cheeses made from unpasteurized milk.
