FAQ's on Meningitis

Q- What are the complications of Meningitis?
Ans- Complications of bacterial meningitis can require additional treatment.
Anticonvulsants might be given for seizures.
If a child develops shock or low blood pressure, additional IV fluids and certain medications may be given to increase blood pressure.
Some kids may need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation if they have difficulty in breathing.
Impaired hearing may occur in kids who've had bacterial meningitis so they should have a hearing test following their recovery.
Neurological problems such as hearing loss, visual impairment, seizures, and learning disabilities may also occur.
The heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands also may be affected.

Q- How does meningitis spread?
Ans-Most cases of meningitis — both viral and bacterial — result from infections that are contagious, spread via tiny drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is infected. The drops may become airborne when the person coughs, laughs, talks, or sneezes. They then can infect others when people breathe them in or touch the drops and then touch their own noses or mouths.
Sharing food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, tissues, or towels all can transmit infection as well. Some infectious organisms can spread through a person's stool, and someone who comes in contact with the stool — such as a child in day care — may contract the infection.
The infections most often spread between people who are in close contact, such as those who live together or people who are exposed by kissing or sharing eating utensils. Casual contact at school or work with someone who has one of these infections usually will not transmit the infectious agent.

Q- What are the prevention of meningitis?
Ans-Routine immunization can go a long way toward preventing meningitis. The vaccines against Hib, measles, mumps, rubella(MMR Vaccination), polio, meningococcus, and pneumococcus can protect against meningitis caused by these microorganisms. Some high-risk children also should be immunized against certain other types of pneumococcus. Doctors now recommend that kids who are 11 years old get vaccinated for meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis. The vaccine is called quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, or MCV4. Children who have not had the vaccine and are over 11 years old should also be immunized, particularly if they're going to college, boarding school, camp, or other settings where they are going to be living in close quarters with others. This vaccine may also be recommended for people who are traveling to countries where meningitis is more common.
Good hygiene is an important way to prevent any infection. Encourage kids to wash their hands thoroughly and often, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. Avoiding close contact with someone who is obviously ill and not sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils can help halt the spread of germs as well.

Q- When to call the doctor?
Ans-Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your child has meningitis or if your child exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, headache, lethargy or confusion, neck stiffness, rash, and fever. Infants who have fever, irritability, poor feeding, and lethargy should also be assessed by a doctor right away.
If your child has had contact with someone who has meningitis (for example, in a child-care center or a college dorm), call your doctor to ask whether preventive medication is recommended.