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Most people confuse the signs and symptoms of meningitis from those of other medical conditions such as influenza. As a matter of fact, an outbreak will mostly be characterized by a flu-like infection or illness, hence the huge confusion. The need to be alert and learn the characteristic signs can never be overemphasized enough. This ensures you act quickly and the right measures are taken on time, a move that can actually save a life.
The causes of the disease are categorized into 3: bacterial, viral, and very rarely, fungal infections. Bacterial infections are the most common and unfortunately the most life-threatening. As the name may suggest, these are infections caused by bacteria. It is important for your doctor to properly diagnose the actual cause of the infection so that the right treatment plan can be taken.
Some of the risk factors associated with the condition include skipping vaccinations. The risk of developing this medical condition rises if one does not complete the recommended adult or childhood vaccinations on time. It is also associated with age, with most cases affecting children below the age of 5. Statistically, bacterial meningitis will affect people below the age of 20, particularly those living in society settings.
If you are living in a community setting, e. G. In a military camp, in a dormitory, or in child care facilities you may also be at a high risk of contracting the disease. This is because the bacteria is spread through the respiratory tract and will often spread quickly when large groups assemble.
Expectant mothers are also at a very high risk, thanks to the listeria bacteria. These bacteria makes expectant mothers vulnerable to listerioris, a condition that can lead to the disease if not well addressed on time. It goes without saying that the disease can be passed down to the unborn kid.
Last but not least, a compromised immune system, say as a result of diabetes, alcoholism, AIDs, and the use of immunosuppressant drugs can also make one susceptible to the condition. Having said that, some of the notable signs and symptoms of meningitis that you should watch out for include:-
Stiff neck, sudden high fever, seizures, sensitivity to light, difficulty waking up or sleepiness, difficulty concentrating or confusion, vomiting or nausea sometimes accompanied by headache, very severe headache that cannot be confused with a "normal" headache, skin rashes, very high fever and irritability. These are associated with an infection of those above the age of 2.
Newborns and toddlers on the other hand may experience a swollen fontanel, abnormal sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding habits, sudden high fever, stiff body and neck and constant crying, which could be an indication of the same.
Urgent medical attention should be sought at the onset of the most common signs and symptoms of meningitis namely persistent and very severe headache, sudden high fever, confusion, stiff neck and vomiting. While these signs could be an indication of any other medical condition, it is always good to get clearance from your general practitioner. Needless to mention, whether for meningitis or any other medical condition, getting treatment on time increases your chances of getting healed early enough.
The causes of the disease are categorized into 3: bacterial, viral, and very rarely, fungal infections. Bacterial infections are the most common and unfortunately the most life-threatening. As the name may suggest, these are infections caused by bacteria. It is important for your doctor to properly diagnose the actual cause of the infection so that the right treatment plan can be taken.
Some of the risk factors associated with the condition include skipping vaccinations. The risk of developing this medical condition rises if one does not complete the recommended adult or childhood vaccinations on time. It is also associated with age, with most cases affecting children below the age of 5. Statistically, bacterial meningitis will affect people below the age of 20, particularly those living in society settings.
If you are living in a community setting, e. G. In a military camp, in a dormitory, or in child care facilities you may also be at a high risk of contracting the disease. This is because the bacteria is spread through the respiratory tract and will often spread quickly when large groups assemble.
Expectant mothers are also at a very high risk, thanks to the listeria bacteria. These bacteria makes expectant mothers vulnerable to listerioris, a condition that can lead to the disease if not well addressed on time. It goes without saying that the disease can be passed down to the unborn kid.
Last but not least, a compromised immune system, say as a result of diabetes, alcoholism, AIDs, and the use of immunosuppressant drugs can also make one susceptible to the condition. Having said that, some of the notable signs and symptoms of meningitis that you should watch out for include:-
Stiff neck, sudden high fever, seizures, sensitivity to light, difficulty waking up or sleepiness, difficulty concentrating or confusion, vomiting or nausea sometimes accompanied by headache, very severe headache that cannot be confused with a "normal" headache, skin rashes, very high fever and irritability. These are associated with an infection of those above the age of 2.
Newborns and toddlers on the other hand may experience a swollen fontanel, abnormal sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding habits, sudden high fever, stiff body and neck and constant crying, which could be an indication of the same.
Urgent medical attention should be sought at the onset of the most common signs and symptoms of meningitis namely persistent and very severe headache, sudden high fever, confusion, stiff neck and vomiting. While these signs could be an indication of any other medical condition, it is always good to get clearance from your general practitioner. Needless to mention, whether for meningitis or any other medical condition, getting treatment on time increases your chances of getting healed early enough.
About the Author:
In order to become informed about the signs and symptoms of meningitis, you should review the following site www.meningitis-angels.org. We have all the relevant information about this ailment at http://www.meningitis-angels.org.
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