, two big-time U.S. universities, University of California-Santa
Barbara and Princeton University, are trying to contain an outbreak of the
swift-moving disease. But what is it, exactly?
Every so often, a story hits the news with one big weird word in the
Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain
and spinal cord. It can be caused by a virus or by bacteria. The viral kind is
more common and much less serious than the bacterial variety. It’s the bacterial
meningitis that you hear about in the news. It evolves quickly, which is part
of what makes it so dangerous. Symptoms are similar to those of the flu. In
older kids, a combination of the following symptoms is something to call a doc
about: a stiff neck, severe pain and aches in your back and joints, sleepiness
or confusion, a bad headache, sensitivity to light, very cold hands and feet,
shivering, rapid breathing and red or purple spots on the skin that do not fade
when you press on them.
The illness needs to be treated quickly and aggressively—that’s why, if
you’re not feeling so hot and you have a combination of the above symptoms, you
should get Mom or Dad, or even the babysitter if they aren’t home, to call your
doctor ASAP. Treatment starts with antibiotics and can also include
corticosteroids (to control pressure caused by the inflammation) and
acetaminophen (to lower a fever).
Most kids today are vaccinated against some strains of meningitis, but
that doesn’t mean they’re immune. It spreads easily through nasal secretions
(nice thought, right?), making it pretty darn cinchy to pass along come cold
The easiest way to stay healthy, therefore, is to take the same
precautions you would against the flu: Wash your hands, get plenty of sleep,
don’t share your food and drink with other people (especially sickies),
sanitize surfaces like cell phones regularly and eat well.
For more information on
meningitis, head on over to Medical News Today.
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BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 12/4/2013 7:15:00 PM
POSTED IN disease, headaches, doctor, In the News