Meninges are tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord; Meningitis is when these tissues are inflamed. It is a life-threatening disease because it affects your brain, the master of your entire body. Unfortunately, since it spreads from those infected to others, meningitis is an infectious disease, so it needs immediate medical care.
Many forms of meningitis are present, such as viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. As their names mean, viral meningitis is caused by a virus, while a bacterium causes bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is typically less severe than bacterial meningitis, but both need immediate treatment, as the complications may be severe. Luckily, there are meningitis-fighting vaccines.
However, understanding the symptoms of this deadly disease is crucial, so that we can protect people who suffer from it from its complications. High fever, extreme headache, sore neck, nausea and/or vomiting, confusion, and difficulty walking are some of the symptoms. Some of the symptoms are ambiguous as they may be signs of other illnesses; for a correct diagnosis, it is best to be safe than sorry and see a doctor. Meningitis progresses rapidly, so for complete recovery, timely medical treatment is essential.
It can lead to serious complications if meningitis is not treated right away, as it affects the brain and the spinal cord. Recurrent seizures, partial or complete hearing loss, inability to focus, imbalance issues, partial or total vision loss, and even learning disabilities are complications. Some cases, sadly, result in death.
Meningitis can affect anyone, but there are groups that are more vulnerable to being infected than others. For example, because of its weakening immune system, meningitis affects children and young adults, as well as the elderly. Anyone with diseases that weaken the immune system can also be affected.
Your risk of developing meningitis is also influenced by areas. Sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal to Ethiopia, is the most prominent region infested with meningitis; it is also called the' meningitis belt.' During the Islamic Hajj (Pilgrimage) season, major epidemics of meningitis also occurred; this is why a vaccine was considered necessary for Saudi Arabia to visit the Holy Land.
Fortunately, safe vaccines are available for all of us; you can simply protect yourself and your children from this deadly disease by taking the vaccine you need. Meningitis has more than one vaccine, since the disease is caused by many infections. Meningitis is a deadly disease, but it can be avoided easily, so vaccinate yourself and stay healthy.