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.
