Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective lining surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. It’s something that we don’t hear much in the U.S., mainly because when you are a child you are vaccinated to protect you from this disease, yet some people are still at risk.
A meningitis vaccine can help prevent most types of bacterial meningitis, but it’s important to know all the risk factors that can still put you at risk.
Not Being Vaccinated
There is a small percentage of people who don’t believe in vaccinations and these people are more at risk to get the disease. Vaccines offer protection for five types of bacterial meningitis, which is recommended at age 11 or 12, and a booster at 16. These vaccines are also recommended for people that are traveling to countries like Africa where the disease is more prevalent.
Your Age
Children younger than 5 years old are more at risk to catch meningitis, which is why it’s so important to avoid traveling to foreign countries if they have not been vaccinated. This is especially dangerous when you come in contact with large groups of people who live in crowded conditions.
Weak Immune System
There are certain diseases that weaken your immune system and put you at a greater risk to catch other diseases. HIV, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients are at a greater risk.
Brain Injuries
Having a brain injury puts you at risk for so many health conditions, including dementia and meningitis. If you’ve had a brain or head injury that could have possibly cracked the bone plateau behind your nose and under your brain, this could allow for bacteria to make it’s way into your central nervous system, making you more susceptible to bacterial meningitis.
Contracting a viral disease is something that can happen to anyone, which is why it’s important to take the necessary precautions, especially when traveling. For starters, maintain proper hygiene. Washing your hands often, especially when visiting public places can put you at risk for contracting various diseases. Use bug, and antibacterial sprays and keep your living quarters as clean as possible. If you’re exposed to someone with bacterial meningitis, don’t hesitate and visit your doctor as a precaution.