Meningococcal Meningitis: The missing link in full protection against Meningitis
A few months back, we visited Tuggu’s paediatrician for his vaccination. He was due for his second dose of chickenpox and typhoid along with Meningococcal Meningitis. It was confusing to see that, even though Meningococcal Meningitis was stated for high risk, it was optional. So, I had a detailed conversation around it with the paediatrician. She explicated to me how ‘Meningococcal Meningitis’ is generally the missing link in full protection against acute bacterial meningitis.
So, once back home, I too did my research about Meningococcal Meningitis. It was alarming to read about this unpredictable disease having devastating consequences. I was also grateful to my doctor for bringing to my attention the need for vaccination. So, I thought of sharing some insights of my research with you guys.
Let’s know Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. While some forms of meningitis are mild and resolve without treatment, meningitis can be life-threatening.
Meningitis affects more than 1 million people globally each year.1
Ways this disease can spread
Usually, some of us carry Meningococcal bacteria at the back of our throats at any given time. Sounds scary right? Don’t worry, this is a healthy carriage which helps in developing immunity. But, there’s a catch. Occasionally these bacteria may defeat the body’s defenses and cause an infection. It is even said that the bacteria that causes it, can spread easily from coughing, sneezing, kissing or even sharing a drink.2
I think it is very important to teach children the simple rules of cleanliness and basic hygiene. At three, Tuggu is already learning it. Hygiene is only the first step of course.
Meningococcal Meningitis: It is quite hard to diagnose
Meningitis can be hard to recognize in the early stages especially for young babies. As the symptoms at first may appear like those of the common flu, including fever, rash, vomiting, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and drowsiness.3 Infants or young kids may get irritable, vomit, feed poorly or even appear to be slow or inactive.
Since all these symptoms are so subtle and can be misleading, awareness is important to understand the causes and early signs to take an informed decision. But unfortunately, Meningococcal Meningitis could get fatal within 24-48 hours.2 It even has the potential to spread to others and may have some after effects too.2
1 in 5 victims could lose a leg, or an arm, and may not even survive.4
So, it is always advisable to seek medical attention immediately if you feel your child has any of these symptoms. Talk to your doctor. Ask questions as I did. No questions are silly. You are protecting your child here. Put on your superhero cape, mommies, because you need to know everything.
Don’t give a disease power. It doesn’t always have to terrify you. We can help protect our kids, by getting them vaccinated. If your child isn’t vaccinated yet, he may still benefit from the vaccinations which are available these days. Being a parent, I understand how illness can disrupt the normal life of a happy child and am sure you do too. So I urge you to please make sure you contact your child’s paediatrician. And ask about the vaccine against Meningococcal Meningitis. As prevention is always better than cure, isn’t it?
Watch this video to understand better What is Meningococcal Meningitis?
I hope this was a helpful post. Are you with me in joining this movement today?
Do let me know your comments in the box below.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views solely of the blogger. This is a part of public awareness initiative on meningitis supported by Sanofi Pasteur India. Sanofi Pasteur bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information. This article is meant to help create awareness and spread knowledge. Any decision regarding your health and child’s health should be done after consultation with your doctor. While all efforts are made to keep articles updated, the speed of research in these fields mean the information often may change when more research knowledge is available. TuggunMommy or the authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVHqKnVuWyo
- https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/
- http://www.comomeningitis.org/facts-about-meningitis/symptoms/
- https://www.emedicinehealth.com/meningitis_in_adults/article_em.htm #where_can_people_find_more_information_on_meningitis_in_adults
Thanks for the info dear. I will double check it for my second born as I am sure for my elder one.
In many places, the vaccine for meningitis isn’t compulsorily included in the immunization chart. There has to be awareness made about the disease. Much needed in a country where people still think of vaccines as a medical scam.
This is a very well written article about Meningoccal meningitis. Thanks for raising the awareness. I wasn’t aware of such details earlier. I will try to pass on this information for further awareness
Thanks for sharing about this,had no idea about it all,will give this vaccine to my son also.
Aditi
I came across many posts recently about this disease but your simplified way of explanation made me understand the importance or lets say to spread awareness about it to my friends and family. Sharing the post link 🙂
Meningitis is a deadly disease and to prevent it is of absolute importance. We should do every needful to keep the disease at bay.
Thankfully I studied about it so I opted for the vaccine but it’s true that some doctors don’t share the information or don’t emphasize the need for this injection.
Hygiene is one thing which I am concerned about too. We just don’t take it seriously.
These days it has become difficult to even pronounce these dangerous diseases. Thank you for sharing this, I had no idea about and if it can be fatal and there are chances of loosing arm or leg then I will share it with as many as I can.
Meningoccal meningitis can be life threatening.
The post will educate everyone and made us aware.
This is a dangerous disease. I lost one of my friends because of meningitis at my school days. Your article is an important reminder to us. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing This information
Meningitis is a deadly name. Vaccination on right time is the only cure of this deadly disease. Your post has come as a reminder to me . I would definitely make sure that both my kids have this done.
Awarenss about disease helps protect us and our family too.Meningoccal meningitis has high mortality indeed.
Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed blog, it was damn helpful and I am definitely sharing the link with my friends too!
OMG thanks for sharing such a detailed post on Meningococcal meningitis. i’ll certainly share it with more people for awareness
This is quite an important vaccine. Even though it’s not a mainstream vaccine, but it is scary and risky. Thanks for provding such great information about the disease.
Thank you for this informative article Gunjan. I am bookmarking it and will share it too.
This is one of the most imporatant topic to be discussed and must be shared …I am glad you shared so much information !!
This disease becomes threatening in no time. Indeed vaccine is good way to prevent
Awareness against Meningococcal Meningitis is so important to ensure kids are safe from this bacterial infection
Thanks for creating awareness about this disease. Vaccinations are important to protect kids from these diseases
Thank you for the informative post., Awareness is so important and so are vaccines for protection against few fatal diseases.
Vaccination at the right time is the only prevention of the deadly disease meningitis. We should be awsre of this as parents
One scary disese that you think will never happen to you…until and unless it happens to one of your loved ones…
I was unaware of this infection Meningococcal Meningitis. It is necessary that all moms know about this article will share with few i know.
Meningococcal meningitis is a serious infection and timely vaccination for it is a must!! The movement against meningococcal meningitis needs more awareness. Thanks for an informative post!
It is essential to know about lethal diseases like meningitis.Thanks for sharing in detail.
Meningitis can wreck havoc.Awareness and vaccines will go a long way in keeping disease away.
Never thought that Meningococcal meningitis can be so dangerous and symptoms are similar to Normal fever. That’s very informative post. Never know that we have vaccine for its prevention.
Such an informative post on meningitis. Got to know so much more on this deadly disease.
Great information gunjan. I recently got to know about the terrible effects of Meningitis. Very helpful
Meningitis is really scary. Thanks for throwing light on this topic
Well researched post Gunjan. I knew tip of iceberg about meningitis. It is good to stay informed in details
Meningitis is a really bad thing to happen to a child, it’s great that vaccination is available for them. Thank you for sharing .
This can spread and create a havoc. I hope parents realise the gravity of the situation and get kids vaccinated sooner.
How common is this ? Is it easily diagnosable ?
Never knew there is such kind of disease too…
It is rare, but may get fatal in 48 hrs and no not easily diagnosed coz of its symptoms similar to common flu
It’s a deadly disease. And prevention is definitely the best cure. We must get our kids vaccinated against this disease.
i was not aware about Meningitis term thanks for sharing it. video was really helpful to understand it. health is everything parents must take care
Great informative post Gunjan. Meningitis is a serious disease that affect lives of many children. And it’s good that nowadays vaccination are available to prevent it.
This is a very informative post on this disorder. Very helpful. But some people get something out the book and no one can do anything.
Although I have given the vaccine to both my kids but was still unaware of many details that you have highlighted. Well researched article
I did not know about this. Glad that you shared it. In this new age, diseases are getting stronger. Thankfully technology helps.
Thanks for sharing this. Am sure lots of parents will be benefited with this post. Health is first!