Among the numerous human diseases meningitis - one of the most dangerous. To avoid serious consequences, it is important to recognize the symptoms of it and begin immediate treatment
The phrase, "Put on your hat, because her head colds and earn meningitis" evokes doctors unbearable heartache. Because it is a myth. Since meningitis can not be sick. What is meningitis, meningococcal where do those facing this disease and how to still escape?
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcus - a bacterium that can live only in humans and is transmitted by airborne droplets and domestic routes. After contact with the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, it can behave in different ways.
Most people do not suffer from any symptoms, but for some time (from 2-3 to 6-8 weeks) become carriers. Someone suffering from meningococcal nasopharyngitis - inflammation of the nose and throat, not to distinguish from other acute respiratory diseases. And about 1% of infected develop severe forms: meningitis, meningoencephalitis, sepsis.
Symptoms of meningitis and forms of the disease
From infection to the first manifestations usually takes 3-7 days. Apart from asymptomatic carriage there are several forms of the disease.
meningococcal nasopharyngitis Pain and sore throat, mild fever, weakness, runny nose secretions yellow-green - is unlikely to distinguish infection from the common cold.
meningococcal meningitis Sometimes this form of nasopharyngitis preceded, sometimes the symptoms appear suddenly and develop very quickly. Child worries a severe headache, high fever, often with chills.
In some cases, hospitalization is necessary
All cases of meningococcal infection, even not very heavy, necessarily need to be hospitalized in the infectious ward to a sustainable improvement.
The same applies to those who only suspect this disease: better once again to play it safe and make sure that there is no threat, than to lose at least a few minutes!
Very important! To understand the elements of the rash disappear from depression, take any container made of transparent glass (glass, glass bank) and firmly press it to the skin. If the rash fades or disappears altogether, most likely, there is no danger. If not - immediately call the "fast"!
Meningitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of children / istockphoto.com
Meningitis Treatment and special risk group
It treated the disease with antibiotics, which is administered the first dose of emergency room doctors. Also, the patient makes a dropper, and maintain the function of vital organs: brain, heart, lungs, kidneys.
Meningococcal nasopharyngitis and carrier often do not manifest themselves, and these forms of the disease are on their own.
risk groups severe meningococcal disease:
- children under the age of 5 years;
- children with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency;
- Children whose parents smoke, because tobacco smoke damages the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, and the microbes easier to get into the blood.
If you are in contact with the patient
Meningococcus transmitted by close household contact, so the family members of the patient is prescribed so-called chemoprevention. We must take an antibiotic to the specified doctor scheme to a microbe that could potentially enter the body, he died.
In kindergartens contact may designate a throat swab for detecting meningococcus recommend antibiotic or emergency vaccinations. Of course, necessarily have to carry out wet cleaning with antiseptics and ventilation in the room where the sick and wash your hands frequently!
Vaccination
For the prevention of severe forms of meningococcal disease in the world have long used a variety of vaccines. In Ukraine registered vaccine against the four most common meningococcal groups (A, C, W, Y). As long as it is not included in the national immunization schedule, that is not mandatory. However, for the money it can be done in private clinics.
Vaccination against meningococcal disease, for example, in the US and the UK allowed over a decade to reduce the mortality rate among children under 5 years of the disease tripled. Scientists continue to work on the development of effective prevention, and that a few years ago there was a vaccine for meningococcal group B It is widely used in the US and many European countries, but has not yet been registered in Ukraine.
Also you will be interested to read this:9 signs of meningitis, which all parents should know
