Meningitis Symptoms in Adults

Meningitis gets its name from a condition which involves the inflammation of the meninges [a membrane (one of 3) that envelops the brain and spinal cord] and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Spread of infection is generally the reason for the inflammation. Viral infection is usually, the most common cause for meningitis in adults and children. However, some may also be caused due to bacterial or fungal infections. Some cases of this condition get resolved by themselves in a couple of days, while there are some which also turn out to be potentially life-threatening.

What Indicates Meningitis?

Symptoms may start with a high fever, headache, vomiting or nausea, seizures and stiff neck. The affected person may experience confusion, sleepiness, sensitivity to light and skin rash. Lack of interest in eating or drinking, concentration problems, leg pain, hands and feet getting ice-cold and pale skin tone are the other meningitis symptoms. As you can infer from the above symptoms, these may mimic those of the illness influenza and hence can be easily mistaken for the same. These were the symptoms which are common in adults. When newborns are affected by this condition, constant crying, poor feeding, stiffness in the body, sleepiness, increased irritability and the occurrence of a bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby's head are the symptoms which may be noticed.

Preventing Meningitis

Coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette are the common modes through which one can get contaminated with meningitis causing bacteria or virus. So taking a few self care measures in order to avoid such factors do good for the prevention part. Washing hands and keeping them clean have always been the best prevention methods against any disease. Before taking meals and after using the toilet, ensure that you get your hands cleansed thoroughly. Even after spending some time in crowded places or petting animals, it is required that you wash each and every part of your hands and if possible till the elbow.

Boost the immune system to ward off infections, and manage the symptoms of meningitis, by getting plenty of rest, keeping a regular schedule of exercises, maintaining a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and other nutritional food stuffs.

If you are suffering from meningitis, then do not forget to cover your mouth and nose whenever you feel the need to cough, sneeze or spit. Again, do the same if you are in a vicinity of an ill person, suspected to be suffering from the same disease.

Expecting mothers are required to stay extra careful and cautious regarding their hygiene and especially food choices. Have the food well cooked before serving and consult with your doctor regarding which food to eat and which to avoid.

Vaccine for meningitis in adults do provide protection against certain strains of bacteria, however, it does not work against virus. Viral meningitis is usually mild by nature and runs a more benign course than the bacterial one. Vaccination which may offer protection against bacterial meningitis in adults is pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). Others such as haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) are recommended for children.

If you get the slightest hint of symptoms that may indicate meningitis, then seek immediate medical help. Do not contemplate and risk the condition to get worse over time, especially if the patient is a child.