When we become sick, it is easy to mistaken our symptoms with the flu.
Take meningitis for example, it causes stiffness, headaches and a high fever.
These symptoms are all very similar to flu-like symptoms.
So while to the average person this may seem like a cold or fly, it actually isn’t.
due to that assumption, it may not get treated with the proper care.
Typically, meningitis is triggered by a bacterial or viral fungal infection, and if left untreated
can become life threatening if the proper antibiotics are not taken.
With that said, if you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from meningitis,
there will be certain symptoms and signs that will be evident.
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Now, keep watching for signs and symptoms of meningitis that every parent should know
about.
8.
Stiffness: Most people suffering from meningitis will experience stiffness in the neck and
back because the inflammation spurs from the membranes that cover the brain and spinal
cord.
It’s the constant swelling that causes the discomfort, and if you begin to experience
a sudden fever or headache to go along with that pain, you may have meningitis.
If you are suffering from a cold, this could develop into what is called viral meningitis.
This type of meningitis is not harmful or potentially harmful to your health or others.
But if you also have an unexplained stiffness in your neck, you should go see a doctor just
in case.
Stiffness can occur for a number of reasons - for example, you may sleep on it wrong or
you may have held it in an uncomfortable position while watching tv or laying down.
If you have ruled out any possible explanations for your muscle stiffness, see if you have
any of the other symptoms mentioned in this video.
7.
Fever: Similar to the flu, the onset of a sudden fever will occur with meningitis as
it enters the body, the immune system reacts by increasing the body temperature.
If you have developed meningitis, you will experience a fever between 3-7 days.
Unfortunately this symptom is not the most common symptom to look out for.
According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, only 44% of patients that have
this infection will show this sign.
This can make self-diagnosing extremely difficult, so if your fever doesn't subside, just keep
an eye out for other symptoms.
Do you know what doctors recommend people do to prevent meningitis?
Well, keep watching til the very end to find out!
6.
Headache: Another telltale sign of meningitis is a severe headache that will not go away.
This is due to the inflammation and swelling in the membranes that are surrounding your
neck and spinal cord.
Headaches are considered one of the most common symptoms of meningitis.
It is important to identify what type of headache you have.
Typically if you have meningitis, the headache you will experience is not the same as a normal
headache.
It will not subside unless proper meningitis medication is taken.
The headache will likely feel all consuming, and you probably won't be able to function
because of the pain.
If you are prone to headaches and are not sure if the headache you are having is caused
by meningitis, keep a lookout for any other sudden changes in your health that may signify
you are sick.
5.
Confusion: When your brain experiences severe swelling, it can hinder your ability to function.
So if you are suffering from meningitis, your brain will swell and you may experience confusion,
inability to focus, memory loss, insomnia, dizziness, and difficulties waking up.
When you are experiencing confusion, it can present itself in many different ways.
For instance, you may have trouble discerning what is a dream and what is real, your memories
may not be clear or you may completely forget certain milestones.
If you are having trouble remembering certain things, or just feel like lately your brain
has been extremely foggy, you may have meningitis.
4.
Sensitivity to Light: Meningitis can cause severe light sensitivity, which squinting,
blurry vision and difficulty with vision will occur under bright lights or the sun.
As a result, you may start to experience a headache because of this.
The reason your vision becomes blurry when suffering from meningitis is because the optic
nerve begins to swell.
In most cases the swelling will go down and your normal vision will be restored.
However, in severe cases of meningitis, partial or full blindness can occur in both eyes with
no chance at reversal.
3.
Nausea: If you suffer from meningitis, vomiting and nausea will occur at the early stages.
As the infection makes its way through the body, it will upset the stomach and cause
vomiting.
Often people will lose their appetite as well.
Depending on the severity of the infection, extreme weight loss can occur as well.
Those who already have a weakened immune system prior to meningitis are more susceptible to
catching the infection.
The symptoms they experience may also be much worse because of the body’s inability to
fight off the infection.
2.
Rash: Often times babies and toddlers who experience meningitis will often develop a
rash.
The rashes appear from the bacteria multiplying in the bloodstream, which release poisons
that begin to damage the blood vessels, resulting in a rash.
The best way to test if your rash is just an irritated infection or a cause of meningitis
is the glass test.
Take a glass and press it up against an area where the rash is.
If the marks stay the same – that you can see them clearly through the glass, go see
a doctor.
But if the marks fade with the pressure of the glass, it’s just an irritated rash.
1.
Loss of Appetite: Because of the nausea and constant vomiting, meningitis can affect the
digestive system in a big way.
You may lose your appetite or even avoid eating all together because you fear you might vomit
it all up.
This could lead to unhealthy weight loss which can lead to even more health problems.
As tough as it may seem, you need to try and consume food when dealing with meningitis.
The more nutrients you put into your body, the stronger your immune system will become
so it can fight off the infection.
In severe cases, people will get admitted to the hospital so they can be put on an intravenous
so the patient can stay hydrated.
If you notice that you have lost your appetitive or just don't want to eat because you feel
nauseous when you do it, it's a major warning sign that you may have meningitis.
If you have lost your appetite and notice that you are starting to lose weight, it may
be time to go to a doctor or the emergency room - especially if you are exhibiting some
of the other symptoms mentioned in this video.
Now that you know what signs to look for that you may have meningitis, here are some ways
you can avoid meningitis by living a healthy lifestyle.
Get vaccinated: did you know that there is a vaccine for meningitis?
According to Everyday Health, one of the most effective ways to prevent meningitis is to
get vaccinated.
There are currently two vaccines for meningitis available in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people get vaccinated for
meningitis at 11 or 12 years old.
They also recommend that teens receive a booster shot for it between the ages of 16 and 18
years old.
So, whether you are afraid of needles or not, make sure you get the vaccine if you want
to avoid contracting meningitis!
Don't share your personal items: You can catch meningitis when you come into contact with
respiratory or throat secretions from someone who has meningitis.
So don’t share personal items with people unless you want to risk getting sick.
This includes sharing personal items or kissing.
So avoid sharing drinking glasses, straws, water bottles, lipstick, cigarettes, soda
cans, and more.
Wash your hands.
Viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can easily get on your hands and travel from
your hands to your mouth.
Reduce your chances of getting meningitis by washing your hands frequently, especially
after being in a crowded place, coughing or blowing your nose, in a bathroom, and more.
Boost your immune system: keep your immune system strong by eating healthy foods like
fruits, whole grains, vegetables and lean protein.
Make sure you get regular exercise and take good care of your health.
This all can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy, preventing infections
and viruses that can cause meningitis.
Living a healthy and active lifestyle which includes a nutritious diet can do wonders
in preventing sickness and keeping your immune system healthy.
So spruce up your diet and your exercise regimen, and reap the rewards!
Have you ever had meningitis?
What are some symptoms that weren't mentioned in this video
that someone has meningitis?
Let us know in the comments section below!