9 myths about meningitis, which already can not be trusted

1. Meningitis happens when you do not wear a hat

It is the favorite myth that parents frighten recalcitrant children. It is connected with the fact that in our minds there is a connection: cold - it is cold, very cold - it's a bad cold, such as meningitis. In fact it is not.

Meningitis - an inflammation of the brain or spinal cord. The cause of this inflammation can be:

• Viruses. Meningitis can be a complication of the flu, herpes, measlesMumps.
• Bacteria. There are "special" meningococcus bacteria that cause the disease. In addition, other bacterialBacterial Meningitis infections, such as tuberculosis, pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae, also lead to the development of meningitis.
• fungi, vermin, Protozoa. All of these types of organisms can cause meningitis, which is hardly treatable.

For the most part meningitis is transmitted by airborne droplets, but some bacteria and protozoa can penetrate into the body of contaminated water or food.

After a cold or the ears uncovered head meningitis is not transmitted.

Although, if due to hypothermia weakened immune protection and at the same time the body will face a bacteria or a virus, chances of contracting meningitis rise.

2. Meningitis die

It is not true. Meningitis - a deadly disease. Of course, much depends on the pathogen and of the condition of the patient. Viral meningitis transported relatively easilyViral MeningitisWhen compared with bacterial.

Meningitis, which was caused by bacteria often lead to sepsis - mortally dangerous condition. In this sense, it is very dangerous meningococci. They cause meningitis, which is developing rapidly, and a person can die within a few hours.

Due to the complicated course of the disease dies every tenth man, sick with bacterial meningitisMeningitis. Complications.

3. Meningitis - an Infantile Disorder

No, meningitis and sick children and adults. But the risk of developingMeningitis. Causes higher in young children, the elderly and people with oppressed immunity (due to HIV infection or chemotherapy). In addition, young children are often not protected vaccinations. And as a result suffer from meningitis in the tens of times more adultsMeningococcal infection and purulent bacterial meningitis in the Russian Federation: a decade of observation epidemiologichekoe.

Meningitis is the most dangerous for infants who have not yet turned one monthMeningitis. The next critical age - from three to eight months.

4. Meningitis - this is when bad headache

Indeed, headache - one of the main symptoms of meningitis. But not the only one. And the course of the disease may be different, because it depends on the cause of meningitis.

In children and adults, the disease can also occur in different ways. Children meningitis is more dangerous than adults, because it is difficult to calculate, especially when the baby is not able to speak or express thoughts.

Common symptomsMeningococcal Disease. Signs and Symptoms meningitis in children:

• Irritability.
• Refusal to eat.
• high temperature.
• Weakness, lethargy, drowsiness.
• Possible vomiting.

That is, these are the symptoms that can occur at all for any illness, from the common cold to poisoning.

Symptoms of meningitis in adults:

• Heat.
• Headache.
• Stiffness in the neck muscles. Rigidity - this is a high density, rigidity. The patient lies in a certain position, it is difficult to bend the neck.
• Photophobia. Light irritates eyes and aggravates the headache.
• Drowsiness to the point that it is difficult to wake the person.
• Nausea and vomiting.

The main symptom of meningococcal disease - a characteristic hemorrhagic rash. This means that the rash look like bleeding or bruising. They can be small, like the stars, which are gradually becoming more and merge into spots. If you click on such a rash, it does not turn paleMeningitis. Symptoms.

Sometimes diagnostic use "glass technique". We need to take a clear bowl and push them to the skin rash. If the stains will be visible through the glass, you need to call an ambulance, how to begin treatment as soon as possible.

It is important to be sure to tell the dispatcher the emergency that the patient has such a rash. This is a special case, we must act quickly.

5. No treatment of meningitis

It all depends on what type of meningitis in question.

• Viral meningitis usually go away, including the fact that effective antiviral drugs are not so much. If meningitis, for example, is caused by an influenza virus or herpes, doctors can use a special anti-viral agents, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
• Bacterial and fungal meningitis are treated with the help of antibiotics.

In any case, meningitis is treated in a hospital under the supervision of doctors. Furthermore antibiotics used infusion therapy - infusion of nutrient fluids that help maintain the water balance. also appointedMeningitis. Treatment drugs that reduce the risk of brain edema, using oxygen masks if having difficulty breathing. To the patient feel better, painkillers and used antiemetic drugs.

6. Meningitis occurs only in poor countries

In some countries with a low standard of living (in AfricaMeningitis. Epidemiology, Saudi Arabia) meningitis really are sick more and more often. In general, meningitis - this is quite a rare infection, but not enough to forget about its existence.

From 5 to 10% of adults are carriers of meningococcus, but do not get sick. But can infect other people. If people live in close quarters, the percentage of carriers considerably increasedMeningococcal Meningitis. EtiologyUp to 60%. Therefore, the risk of infection is higher in places where going to a lot of people in a small area: in kindergartens, schools and barracks.

7. Vaccinations against meningitis do not have

There is no vaccination, which is 100% protection against all causes of meningitis. However, some viruses and bacteria vaccine is.

Vaccination against meningococcal

Meningococcus - it is the bacteria that cause meningitis, as the name implies. There are several types of these bacteria, there are vaccines that protect against one or more. In Russia, a preventive vaccination against meningococcus is not included in the mandatory list. Plant the only epidemiological indications (if somewhere there was a flash). And yet the Council separately grafted recruits are sent to military service. But in private centers to be vaccinated can be both children and adults.

Vaccination against pneumococcus

Pneumococcus can cause meningitis. And this vaccine is included in the national calendar is relatively recent. This means that children will make it according to the plan, and adults should own be vaccinated.

Vaccination against Hib

It is not included in the national calendar and still remains on the conscience of the patients. It can be done in a private area with the appropriate license, it is included in some combined vaccine (a vaccine that will protect against several diseases at once).

The flu shot

It has done every year. The vaccine, adults and children can get free or for money - as comfortable and as you like. Graft significantly reduces the risk of complications, including meningitis.

Vaccination against measles and mumps

Included in the national vaccination protects against rubella and more. Children done according to plan. Adults not vaccinated, it is necessary to be vaccinated themselves.

8. After meningitis always become disabled

After suffering a bacterial meningitis are disabledWhat is meningitis 20% recovered. That's a lot. The most common complication of meningitis - hearing loss, up to the full.

other complicationsMeningitis:

• memory impairment.
• learning difficulties.
• Damage to the brain.
• Abnormal gait and coordination.
• Convulsions.
• Renal insufficiency.
• Shock.
• Loss of limbs. Sometimes they have toMeningitis. Complications amputated due to meningococcal infection, which affects not only the brain.
• Death.

9. In order not to fall ill with meningitis, do not catch a cold

To some extent this is true: SARS prevention measures (including influenza) and meningitis are very similar. Not to pick up the bacterium or virus, you need to:

• Frequently and thoroughly to wash handsEspecially during epidemics of SARS.
• Not come into contact with sick people.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle, not to get sick or to recover with minimal losses.

But the main action - to do all the available vaccines that can protect against bacteria and viruses.

see also

• Influenza: how not to get sick, and how to be treated →
• How to treat a cold: budget, which really help →
• Who and why you need to remove the tonsils →