Meningitis symptoms can develop very fast. Severity of meningitis symptoms will depend on various factors. Bacterial meningitis symptoms are different from viral meningitis symptoms. In fact, bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis are essentially different. First of all, they are caused by different factors. Bacterial meningitis may cause severe complications and may result in coma, kidney failure, and permanent damage to the spinal cord (and brain, too). This type of meningitis can cause death. Viral meningitis is not very severe and it can subside without any medical treatment. Severe symptoms are rare in this type of meningitis and recovery period is not too long – it usually lasts for one or two weeks.
Meningitis Symptoms in Infants
Some symptoms of meningitis are difficult to recognize, especially in infants. Excessive crying is one of the symptoms of meningitis in infants. As you know, babies cry a lot, even if they are healthy. This means that the diagnosis cannot be based only on this symptom. Therefore, other symptoms have to be found.
Some of the common symptoms are:
● Confusion
● Drowsiness
● Consciousness loss
● Headache
● Sleepiness
● Vomiting
● Sensitivity to light
● Fever
● Irritability
● Skin rash
Bacterial meningitis can result in serious complications. The symptoms may develop incredibly fast. In some infants, this type of meningitis can be lethal. Pay attention to your baby’s behavior; if you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned above, take the baby to the doctor right away.
Meningitis Symptoms in Adults
It is easier to recognize Meningitis symptoms in adults than in infants. In fact, even an older child can tell you that something is bothering him; infants cannot tell you anything – they simply cry and you cannot know what the problem is, until you take the baby to the doctor. Here are some of the most common symptoms of bacterial meningitis in adults:
● Nausea
● Fever
● Sensitivity to light
● Abdominal pain
● Confusion
● Irritability
● Neck stiffness
● Skin rash
● Vomiting
● Headache
Viral meningitis symptoms are usually mild and can be treated easier. In fact, it is hard to tell the difference between common cold (flu) and viral meningitis. The basic difference between viral and bacterial meningitis is that viral meningitis is not dangerous (except in extremely rare cases), whereas bacterial meningitis can be lethal. Bacterial meningitis symptoms can develop extremely fast.
How to Prevent Meningitis
This condition can be prevented. Meningitis vaccine is the best way to prevent this disease. There are two types of meningitis vaccine, but both types use similar mechanisms. Weakened bacteria are contained in these vaccines, and after injection, the immune system will react to the bacteria, causing the body to become immune.
Your hygiene plays an important role in meningitis prevention. Keep your hands clean at all times, especially before eating! Avoid touching your face or your personal hygiene items with dirty hands! When you come home from work or any other public place, wash your hands right away. When you use a handkerchief, throw it away immediately. When sneezing, cover your mouth with a handkerchief! Eat healthy food and maintain regular sleep patterns to keep your immune system healthy and strong.If diagnosed early enough, both types of meningitis can be managed.
If you experience any of the symptoms we mentioned here, visit your doctor to get your treatment.