Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: TruLife

With the start of a new school year, parents and students need to be aware of the symptoms and dangers of meningococcal disease, or meningitis.

A fast-progressing, rare and sometimes fatal disease, meningitis can strike anyone, but adolescents and young adults are at increased risk. It can result in devastating complications, such as hearing loss, brain damage, limb amputation and often death.  Meningitis frequently is misdiagnosed because it resembles the flu. Symptoms include sudden high fever, headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and occasionally a rash.

Meningitis is spread by coughing, sneezing, exchanging saliva by kissing or even sharing a drink with someone carrying the infection.  Lifestyle factors linked to this disease include irregular sleep patterns, active or passive smoking and living in crowded situations, such as dormitories.

The same rules of hygiene that help to avoid catching colds also can help prevent the spread of meningitis: Don't share utensils or drinking glasses, avoid intimate contact with anyone diagnosed with the disease or showing symptoms and wash hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based antibacterial gel.

Early treatment is essential to reduce the risk of death, but full recovery isn't guaranteed.  Once meningitis is suspected or diagnosed, high doses of antibiotics are used to treat patients.  Antibiotics also can be administered to those in close contact with a person diagnosed with meningitis to prevent them from contracting the disease. 

The best way to protect against meningitis is to get vaccinated.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine vaccination for adolescents ages 11 to 18.  A good time to get vaccinated is during your child's checkup at age 11 or 12.  The vaccine is safe, but minor reactions include headache, fatigue, slight discomfort or pain and redness at the injection site.  Immunization is not recommended for individuals with compromised immune systems or a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system.  The vaccine is covered by most health insurance providers, or you can contact your local public health department to see if you qualify to receive a free vaccine through programs such as Vaccines for Children. 

For more information about meningitis vaccines, consult your primary care provider or call Dr. Freeland at 665-2844.

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