NHS Service

How to treat meningitis?

How to treat meningitis?

 

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes which cover the spinal cord and the brain. These three membranes involved in covering the brain and spinal cord are known as the meninges.  Meningitis may result when the fluid which surrounds these membranes becomes infected. This is a life-threatening disease and one can be protected against the disease only through meningitis vaccination in Northolt. Meningitis may result in severe brain damage.

Some of the symptoms of meningitis that you may experience include stiff neck, seizures, headaches, and nausea. It is contagious and can be spread through air droplets as a carrier of the bacteria coughs or sneezes, and through saliva. Infants can get infected during birth.

Cause of meningitis

Meningitis is commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection.  Viral meningitis is the most common. However, bacterial meningitis is severe than viral meningitis and can result in death.  This disease can affect any person, although infants and teenagers at a higher risk of getting the disease.  However, there exist a vaccine against bacterial meningitis and is effective in the prevention of meningitis.

Meningitis prevention

Meningitis can be prevented using the meningococcal vaccine. It is recommended that children at the ages of 11 to 12 receive the meningitis vaccine in Northolt as well as at the age of 16 where they are at a higher risk of getting the disease.  The meningitis vaccine is also a recommendation for college students who end up sharing dorms at school.

Haemophilus influenza is a type of bacteria that causes bacterial meningitis.  Thus Hib vaccine is recommended to children at the age of 1 to prevent them from these bacteria that cause the deadly disease.

Treatment of meningitis

Meningitis is treatable and if early diagnosed and treated can reduce the risks of brain damage or even death. However, prevention is better than cure. Getting a meningitis vaccination in Ramsgate is recommended to help protect from the complications of meningitis.    Tests are run to diagnose whether you are suffering from viral or bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis needs immediate medical attention.

Bacterial meningitis is treatment may involve hospitalization and even admission to the Intensive care unit.  This type of meningitis is also treated using antibiotics which are offered intravenously. Anticonvulsants are used for patients with seizures, oxygen is also provided to the patient and intravenous fluids as well.

Viral meningitis is not treatable using the antibiotics. It can be treated at home by taking rest and painkillers.