Meningitis

 What is it?
 Meningitis is an infection of the fluid around the spinal cord or the fluid of the brain. Meningitis can result in brain damage, hearing loss, vision loss, or even death. There are two common types of meningitis- one that is cause by a bacterial infection or a viral infection. Viral meningitis is the more common type, usually not resulting in hospitalization. Bacterial meningitis is the more dangerous of the two.

 Symptoms

• High fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Sleepiness
• Progression of the disease can lead to seizures for any age

 How is it spread?
 Meningitis is contagious in some of the bacterial forms. Bacteria is spread through contact with droplets from and infected person's sneeze or cough, the saliva of an infected person (kissing, drinking from the same glass). Meningitis can not be spread through casual contact or by breathing in the same air as someone who has meningitis.

 Sometimes, the bacterial that causes meningitis has been spread though people with close or prolonged contact to someone who is infected with meningitis. College students are at risk because of the close contact in crowded environments, such as residence halls.

 Avoid sharing personal items, such as toothbrushes or cups. Wash your hands frequently using warm water and soap. Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent sickness.

 Treatment
  Bacterial meningitis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. If left untreated, bacterial meningitis can be fatal or cause permanent damage. Viral meningitis cannot be treated with antibiotics. If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately because the disease gets worse very fast. The sooner treatment starts, the better chances there are for complete recovery.
 

 Vaccines
 There are vaccines available for meningitis, but not all vaccines will prevent all types of the disease. The vaccine should protect you for several years, but is not lifelong protection. The American College Health Association recommends that college students, especially first-year students who will be living in residence halls, to consider getting the vaccine. The vaccines in the U.S. are very safe. The cost of the vaccine usually ranges from $60- $90. Vaccines can be administered at local Health Departments, or Student Health Services when available. For information about the side effects or possible risks, contact your health care provider.

For more information:
Centers for Disease Control
 

 Contact Info
 Student Health Services
 Beeson Hall
 Campus Box 091
 Phone (478) 445- 5288
 Fax (478) 445- 3142

Last updated: 04/01/2009