Infectious Diseases

In general, nearly all people with viral meningitis and 70 to 80 percent of people with bacterial meningitis will recover, although that varies by age and health of the patient. Although most people make a swift and complete recovery, meningitis (particularly the bacterial form) can result in a variety of after effects. Some of these

Apart from vaccination, there is no known way to protect against meningitis. Although there is little people can do to prevent meningitis, they can limit its devastating health effects by recognizing the symptoms of the disease and seeking immediate medical treatment. Immunizations Antibiotics Prevention for viral meningitis Immunizations Some forms of bacterial meningitis can be

Here are some frequently asked questions related to meningitis. Q: When I was growing up in the 1960’s, several young children in the neighborhood died of meningitis. Now that I’m a parent, how can I protect my 3-year-old child from this disease? A: Make sure your child is vaccinated against haemophilus influenza type B (Hib). Before

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membrane lining the brain and spinal cord caused most often by a viral or bacterial infection that crosses the body’s blood-brain barrier. Meningitis is diagnosed by a lumbar puncture, in which a small amount of fluid

Here are definitions of medical terms related to meningitis. Antibiotic: A drug that weakens or destroys bacteria; used to treat various types of bacterial infections. Cerebral spinal fluid: The fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. Enteroviruses: Viruses that live in the gut and are usually shed in the feces and in discharges from the

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on meningitis. Your family physician Specialized infectious disease physicians and neurologists The Meningitis Foundation of America  Phone: 800-668-1129 http://www.musa.org

Doctors isolate patients with possible meningitis and immediately start them on intravenous antibiotics before they determine whether it’s bacterial or viral meningitis. If the diagnosis turns out to be viral meningitis, the antibiotic treatment is stopped, because antibiotics have no effect on the viruses. In fact, there is no treatment for viral meningitis, the illness must simply

If meningitis is suspected, treatment should be sought immediately. At the hospital, a doctor can make a quick diagnosis by withdrawing a small sample of the spinal fluid for examination. This procedure is called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). It involves inserting a needle into the middle of the lower back and collecting some drops of fluid.