How can you prevent contracting bacterial meningitis?

How can you prevent contracting bacterial meningitis?

These steps can help prevent meningitis:

1. Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs.
2. Practice good hygiene. Don’t share drinks, foods, straws, eating utensils, lip balms or toothbrushes with anyone else.
3. Stay healthy.
4. Cover your mouth.
5. If you’re pregnant, take care with food.

Can bacterial meningitis be transmitted?

Bacterial meningitis, the most serious form of meningitis, can also be contagious, especially if it’s meningococcal meningitis. It’s spread through extended contact with an infected person. Schools, daycare centers, military barracks, hospitals, and college dormitories are prime locations for sharing this infection.

Can you get meningitis from a lumbar puncture?

Iatrogenic meningitis (IM) is a rare complication of diagnostic and therapeutic lumbar puncture (LP).

Can a Myelogram cause meningitis?

What are the risks of a myelogram? Because this is an invasive procedure that requires the injection of a contrast material through a needle in your spine, there are some risks, including: Spinal fluid infection (meningitis).

What is the body’s response to bacterial meningitis?

Inflammation of the brain can cause a wide range of problems, including cognitive issues and seizures. Trouble with memory and concentration may last well after the illness has passed. Children may be left with lingering learning difficulties. Swelling in the brain can also interfere with the senses.

Who is at high risk for meningitis?

Infants, teens and young adults, and older adults have the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the United States.

How easily is meningitis spread?

They do not spread as easily as infections like flu, but close family members and close friends of someone with meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria are at increased risk of picking up the infection. You may get ill after picking up the infection, but it is much more usual not to become ill.

How does meningitis spread to the brain?

In many cases, bacterial meningitis starts when bacteria get into your bloodstream from your sinuses, ears, or throat. The bacteria travel through your bloodstream to your brain.

When do you need a lumbar puncture for meningitis?

In conclusion, early lumbar puncture rapidly confirms or excludes bacterial meningitis in most cases and should be performed when meningitis is suspected unless there is a specific contraindication (signs of cerebral herniation, signs suggesting a disease other than meningitis or shock).

Why do they do a lumbar puncture in meningitis?

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). In people with meningitis, the CSF often shows a low sugar (glucose) level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein. CSF analysis may also help your doctor identify which bacterium caused the meningitis.

What can you do for a spinal headache?

Treatment for spinal headaches begins conservatively. Your doctor may recommend getting bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, consuming caffeine and taking oral pain relievers. If your headache hasn’t improved within 24 hours, your doctor might suggest an epidural blood patch.

How many fluid containing cavities make up the ventricular system of the brain?

The ventricles are four interconnected cavities distributed throughout the brain that produce and contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).