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 actual cause of this debilitating medical condition is yet to be fully documented, but it can come about as a result of a viral infection, a bacterial infection, or sometimes a fungal infection. The most serious and life-threatening of cases are those brought about by bacterial infections. Identifying the root cause of the problem is often an important part of developing an effective treatment plan.
Also worth mentioning are the risk factors commonly associated with this medical condition. If you or your child has missed scheduled vaccinations, you are at a very high risk of getting the disease. Age is also a risk factor wherein the most affected age group is that of kids below 5 years of age. This becomes worse if vaccinations have been skipped. Bacterial meningitis on the other hand is known to affect those between 5 and 20 years.
Research shows that the risk factors are also very high for people living in community settings such as in dormitories, military camps and childcare facilities. The reason for this is because the disease causing bacteria spreads quite fast via the respiratory tract. This means it will be widespread in a community setting when people assemble.
Pregnancy is also a known factor, mainly because of the listeriosis bacteria which often contributes to bacterial infections in expectant mothers. There is enough reason to believe it can lead to meningitis in expectant mothers, and which can equally affect the unborn child.
People living with compromised immune systems, e. G. Those with HIV/AIDs, diabetes, alcoholics, or those using immunosuppressant medication are also at a very high risk of getting the condition. Having said that, the following are some of the most common signs and symptoms that you should look out for.
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.
Indications in newborns may include such things as poor feeding, irritability, excessive sleepiness, constant crying which gets worse when baby is picked, sudden high fever, a bulge in the fontanel and stiffness in the neck and body.
It is important to mention that most of the signs and symptoms of meningitis mentioned above are more or less like those of most other medical conditions. It is because of this that it is highly recommended that you seek urgent medical attention when such signs as a persistent and very severe headache, sudden high fever, confusion, vomiting, and stiff neck sets in. At the very least, you will get an opportunity to have an early diagnosis hence improve your chances of getting healed permanently.
The actual cause of this debilitating medical condition is yet to be fully documented, but it can come about as a result of a viral infection, a bacterial infection, or sometimes a fungal infection. The most serious and life-threatening of cases are those brought about by bacterial infections. Identifying the root cause of the problem is often an important part of developing an effective treatment plan.
Also worth mentioning are the risk factors commonly associated with this medical condition. If you or your child has missed scheduled vaccinations, you are at a very high risk of getting the disease. Age is also a risk factor wherein the most affected age group is that of kids below 5 years of age. This becomes worse if vaccinations have been skipped. Bacterial meningitis on the other hand is known to affect those between 5 and 20 years.
Research shows that the risk factors are also very high for people living in community settings such as in dormitories, military camps and childcare facilities. The reason for this is because the disease causing bacteria spreads quite fast via the respiratory tract. This means it will be widespread in a community setting when people assemble.
Pregnancy is also a known factor, mainly because of the listeriosis bacteria which often contributes to bacterial infections in expectant mothers. There is enough reason to believe it can lead to meningitis in expectant mothers, and which can equally affect the unborn child.
People living with compromised immune systems, e. G. Those with HIV/AIDs, diabetes, alcoholics, or those using immunosuppressant medication are also at a very high risk of getting the condition. Having said that, the following are some of the most common signs and symptoms that you should look out for.
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.
Indications in newborns may include such things as poor feeding, irritability, excessive sleepiness, constant crying which gets worse when baby is picked, sudden high fever, a bulge in the fontanel and stiffness in the neck and body.
It is important to mention that most of the signs and symptoms of meningitis mentioned above are more or less like those of most other medical conditions. It is because of this that it is highly recommended that you seek urgent medical attention when such signs as a persistent and very severe headache, sudden high fever, confusion, vomiting, and stiff neck sets in. At the very least, you will get an opportunity to have an early diagnosis hence improve your chances of getting healed permanently.
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