Meningitis, viral or bacterial

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges*. The infection is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. More rarely, meningitis comes out because of another illness.

The infection caused by a virus carries little risk. The symptoms resemble the flu and last about two weeks. Antibiotics have no effect on the virus.

The infection caused by bacteria is more serious and must be treated promptly, usually by treatment with antibiotics. Bacterial meningitis can cause death or serious sequelae leave as deafness or brain damage. Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral meningitis.

Meningitis is a contagious disease. Although the bacteria that cause meningitis can not survive long outside the human body, it is possible to become infected through contact with objects. The disease is mainly transmitted from person to person by inhalation of secretions from the patient or the patient's use of glass for example.

As with all infections contagious, you should wash your hands regularly, especially after having approached the infected person. Do not use the objects manipulated by the patient. The toilet room must be disinfected every day using a part bleach to ten parts water.

There are vaccines to prevent meningitis, but none can guarantee immunization. In addition, the effect of the vaccine has a limited duration.

13 avril 2010

The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional.