How to Catch Streptococcus Pneumoniae Meningitis

Pneumococcal meningitis is a dangerous infection. Caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, this condition is marked by such symptoms as high fever, confusion, upset stomach, headache, stiff neck, fatigue and light sensitivity. While it is treatable, it can also be deadly. According to the New York Times, about a fifth of those who catch it die from it while about half of its victims develop lasting complications. Learning how you might catch Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis can give you a leg up on avoiding it.

Instructions

Catch Streptococcus Pneumoniae Meningitis

1. Ignore other infections and delay treatment, particularly infections that involve the ear or lungs. Early treatment of such infections can lower your risk of developing this form of meningitis.

2. Avoid vaccination. Vaccination can prevent this condition and may be recommended for children and those over 55 years of age. Vaccination is also a good idea for those who are at a higher-than-normal risk for developing pneumonia.

3. Skip hand washing. Washing your hands may help you to avoid bacteria that can cause this infection as well as germs that contribute to other types of illnesses.

4. Touch your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. This provides an easy point of entry for bacteria and viruses.

5. Exclude fruits and vegetables from your diet. If you don't consume a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet, your immune system may have a harder time fighting infections.

6. Encourage others to cough and sneeze in your vicinity, making sure you inhale the droplets they cough and sneeze into the air. The bacteria that cause pneumococcal meningitis can travel through the air after a cough or sneeze.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've caught pneumococcal meningitis, you may feel very sick. Stay alert for signs of complications, such as difficulty breathing or moving around, dizziness and inability to drink enough fluids and keep them down.

• The speed with which you are treated may directly influence your chances of recovering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treatment with the right antibiotics can dramatically reduce your risk of dying from this type of meningitis.

• If you are diagnosed with pneumoniae meningitis, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. Patients with this condition may be hospitalized and treated with antibiotics that are delivered through a vein.

• Watch for signs of meningitis in children under two years old, who may be too young to tell you if something is wrong. If your child is having trouble eating, seems very irritable, has a fever that persists or emits high-pitched cries, contact your doctor right away or go to your local emergency room.

• Don't delay in seeking diagnosis and treatment if you suspect that you or a loved one has pneumococcal meningitis. This condition can become dangerous, and even life-threatening, very quickly.

References

• The New York Times
• The CDC
• The Mayo Clinic