Meningitis refers to a condition that leads to the inflammation of the lining of your brain and your spinal cord. You may develop meningitis due to infection or non-infectious agents. Virus, bacteria, fungi and parasites are infectious agents, whereas radiographic dyes, drugs and tumors are non-infectious causes of meningitis. The degree of mortality and morbidity will be affected by the cause and your age, and any preexisting medical conditions will also have a direct impact on the degree of mortality. Some of the most common symptoms of infectious meningitis include headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, eye discomfort, vomiting, irritability and change in mental state. So it is important to take meningitis precautions to protect yourself from infectious meningitis because it can lead to more serious consequences.
10 Effective Meningitis Precautions to Avoid Infection
Meningitis is a contagious disease with some serious symptoms. It is, therefore, important to take steps and learn about meningitis precautions to shield yourself against this disease.
1. Get a Vaccination
Getting vaccinated against the disease is the most effective way to protect you from this infectious disease. In the United States, you can find two vaccines to protect yourself from bacterial meningitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is important that you receive these vaccines at age 11 or 12 for the first time. And you will also need a booster shot again at age 16-18.
You are more likely to contract meningitis between 16 and 21 years old because that's usually the time when you'll be living in close quarters with others, such as in college dorm. You should also get vaccinated if you're traveling, entering the military, or planning to live in an area where bacterial meningitis is common.
2. Never Share Personal Items
You can get meningitis when you are exposed to throat or respiratory secretions – sputum, saliva, and nasal mucus – of someone who may already have contracted this disease. Don't share your personal items, such as water bottles, glasses, silverware, straws, lipsticks, toothbrushes and lip glosses with others to avoid getting infected.
3. Maintain Distance with Affected Person
The bacteria found in throat and nose of an infected person can spread through sneezing and coughing. It is, therefore, important that you maintain your distance, at least 3 feet, from someone who is already infected. It is, however, important to mention that you won't contract bacterial meningitis just by breathing in the air where an infected person has been.
4. Apply a Mask
You should wear a facemask if you have contracted meningitis. This will make sure you don't spread your infection to others. If you sneeze or cough without a mask, you could infect others who inhale your respiratory secretions. Individuals with a compromised system are more at risk for meningitis.
5. Use Semi-Isolation
One of many meningitis precautions to take is to use semi-isolation option. Your symptoms won't appear immediately after you become infected, so it is important to admit in a hospital even during the incubation period. You don't have to be into quarantine, but you should keep your personal belongings and items separate.
6. Take Antibiotics
If you have Neisseria meningitides with a meningitis infection, it is important for someone who has close contact with you to receive antibiotics. You need to inform health departments if you have bacterial meningitis, so they could decide who else should receive antibiotics.
7. Build Your Immune System
One of the most important meningitis precautions is to build your immune system. A healthy immune system will help fight off infections from the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis. You can boost your immune system by eating healthy, including vegetables, fresh fruits, lean proteins and whole grains into your diet. Be sure to exercise regularly and sleep for no less than 8 hours a night.
8. Wash Hands Regularly
It is important to wash your hands for long enough to eliminate any bacteria on your hands. Ideally, you should wash for at least 15 seconds to prevent meningitis. You may consider singing "Happy Birthday" while washing your hands to ensure you've washed for long enough. Just be thorough to avoid becoming a victim to meningitis.
9. Kiss with Care
If you have a meningitis infection, you should avoid kissing your partner or kids. Similarly, you should avoid kissing your child if they have contracted this infection. Wait until they have fully recovered.
10. Maintain the Hygiene of Your Environment
Whether you have a meningitis virus or someone in your family is infected, it is a good idea to use a sanitizing agent to treat kitchen counters, work surfaces and other surfaces that you share with others. This will reduce the chances of picking up any infection that may develop into meningitis.