What Are Interesting Facts About Meningitis?
Meningitis is a rare but potentially serious illness that causes the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed.
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Types
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While the most common type of meningitis comes in a viral form, bacterial and fungal meningitis exist.
Viral vs. Bacterial
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Viral, or aseptic, meningitis typically comes and goes within a week or two with few, if any, lasting effects. Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, is more likely to inflict serious consequences, such as severe brain damage and death.
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Symptoms
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Meningitis symptoms vary, but the most common symptoms include high fever, stiff neck, painful headaches, sensitivity to light, confusion, tiredness and vomiting.
Spread of Meningitis
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Bacterial and viral meningitis can be contagious. Viral meningitis is transferred more easily. Viral meningitis can be passed through a handshake or contact with an object that an infected person has touched. Bacterial meningitis is passed through only close physical contact.
Vaccines
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Vaccines exist for certain strains of all the major types of bacterial meningitis-Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The Hib vaccine is most effective in children; the other vaccines are recommended for adults.
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