Meningitis is the inflammation and swelling of the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain.
Viral Meningitis will usually get better with no treatment; this is not true of bacterial Meningitis.
If left untreated, bacterial Meningitis can cause brain damage or death.
Thus, while diagnosis and treatment are important, prevention of Meningitis is perhaps the best way to head off this dangerous condition.
Protection methods include: 1) Washing hands.
Since Meningitis is caused by bacteria and viruses, regular hand washing will stop the transmission and acquisition of these pathogens, thereby preventing it from developing.
Individuals should wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom, and they should learn the proper way to do it.
2) Maintain good health.
A compromised immune system will make infection more likely and could harm the body's ability to fight back.
Individuals should exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and eat right, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
3) Stop air born viruses.
If you are ill, make sure to take all precautions to prevent transmitting your sickness to others.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth, either with your hand or your arm, to prevent viruses and bacteria from becoming air born.
4) Cook food properly.
Food born pathogens can make you or others ill if food, especially meats, are not cooked and stored in the correct conditions.
5) Don't drink or eat after others.
Don't share drinks or food with others, even if they don't seem sick, as pathogens can be spread through saliva and other bodily fluids.
6) Get immunized.
There are different vaccines available that can protect individuals from bacterial Meningitis.
The different types of vaccines available depend on the age and health of the patient.
Those who expect to be in close quarters with others for a long period of time, such as students living in dorms or recruits joining the military, should obtain these vaccines for prevention of Meningitis.
Viral Meningitis will usually get better with no treatment; this is not true of bacterial Meningitis.
If left untreated, bacterial Meningitis can cause brain damage or death.
Thus, while diagnosis and treatment are important, prevention of Meningitis is perhaps the best way to head off this dangerous condition.
Protection methods include: 1) Washing hands.
Since Meningitis is caused by bacteria and viruses, regular hand washing will stop the transmission and acquisition of these pathogens, thereby preventing it from developing.
Individuals should wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom, and they should learn the proper way to do it.
2) Maintain good health.
A compromised immune system will make infection more likely and could harm the body's ability to fight back.
Individuals should exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and eat right, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
3) Stop air born viruses.
If you are ill, make sure to take all precautions to prevent transmitting your sickness to others.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth, either with your hand or your arm, to prevent viruses and bacteria from becoming air born.
4) Cook food properly.
Food born pathogens can make you or others ill if food, especially meats, are not cooked and stored in the correct conditions.
5) Don't drink or eat after others.
Don't share drinks or food with others, even if they don't seem sick, as pathogens can be spread through saliva and other bodily fluids.
6) Get immunized.
There are different vaccines available that can protect individuals from bacterial Meningitis.
The different types of vaccines available depend on the age and health of the patient.
Those who expect to be in close quarters with others for a long period of time, such as students living in dorms or recruits joining the military, should obtain these vaccines for prevention of Meningitis.
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