The word Meningitis derives from the part of the body the disease attacks; the meninges. Meninges are the protective membranes that cover your spinal cord and brain. The fact that Meningitis is the inflammation of the protection for your central nervous system is why it is so dangerous;along with its highly contagious nature.
Meningitis can be caught in 5 different ways:
Bacterial
If left untreated, this can befatal-even within a matter of hours. Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous of the strains because it is caused by a number of bacteria of which only 3 can be vaccinated with medical insurance. Namely:
Neisseria Meningitis
Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Hib
Viral
This strain is rarely fatal and can be resolved spontaneously in some cases. Viruses that can cause viral meningitis are:
Chickenpox
Mumps
HIV
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (genital herpes)
Fungal
This is most common among people with lowered immunity, like those who aresuffering from HIV/AIDS or have received an immunosuppressant after a transplant to reduce the risk of the body rejecting the organ.
Parasitic
This occurs among people who suffer from genetic immune diseases and Eosinophil (suppresses the body’s ability to fight off parasites).
Non-infectious
A constant irritant like cancer, drugs, cysts and chronic migrainescan cause meningitis.
Symptoms which should prompt you to visit a hospital IMMEDIATELY:
High fever
Irritability and an altered mental status
Sleepiness, lethargy and trouble waking up
Sensitivity to light
Vomiting and Nausea
Diarrhoea
Stiff Neck
Lack of appetite
Imbalance or difficulty supporting your weight while standing
Confusion
Aching limbs (legs and neck)
Joint and muscle pain
Cold hands and feet
Seizures
Rash that resembles pin pricks on the skin
If a rash should occur there is a simple test you can perform to determine if it could be a sign of meningococcal septicaemia in the body (which is the bacteria that causes meningitis and septicaemia). Your medical insurance should cover all tests and treatment.
The Glass Test:
Press a drinking glass firmly against the skin where the rash has manifested
Do this multiple times to be sure
If the fever spots/rash do not fade under the pressure of the glass the person should seek medical assistance immediately.
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