Just like every new mother, I also came to know about Meningitis from the paediatrician after my first child was born. Needless to say, the vaccination and immunization chart looked all Greek to me. I wanted to understand every vaccine and immunization and our paediatrician very patiently answered all my questions.
At the bottom of the chart, there was a box with “Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccination” written inside. I had heard from my friends and relatives about all other vaccines except this one. On asking further, our paediatrician gave us the details.
What is Meningococcal Meningitis?
Meningococcal Meningitis is a rare but serious bacterial infection that causes the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed.
About 1 in 10 people (1 out of 4 in adolescence) have meningococcal bacteria in the back of their nose or throat with no signs or symptoms of the disease; this is known as being ‘a carrier’.
It is a rare but potentially devastating disease that can claim a life in as little as 24 hours. 1 in 10 people who develop the disease may not survive and up to 10-20% of survivors suffer from serious complications such as amputation, scars, deafness or brain damage.
You can imagine our surprise when we were told all this. I was glad I had decided to go through the chart and not shied away from asking questions. Our paediatrician further informed us that infants and children under five years old and adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age are most at risk.
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What are the symptoms of Meningococcal Meningitis?
The main symptoms of Meningococcal Meningitis appear similar to flu. These symptoms include:
- Fever
- Skin rash
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light and drowsiness.
The signs and symptoms of Meningococcal Meningitis don’t have a fixed pattern. They may appear one after another, all together or not at all. Hence, always keep an eye whenever your children catch the flu. Consult a doctor whenever possible.
How can Meningococcal Meningitis be prevented?
Meningococcal Meningitis is a very serious infection and can lead to death if not treated on time with proper medical attention. It is communicable via saliva or other oral secretions.
However, getting vaccinated is the best preventive method by far. Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination is available and though it isn’t mandatory, it should be given to high-risk patients like children below 5 years and can be given to infants as young as 9 months.
Whatever our doctor told us sounded serious and I immediately told my friends and relatives to consult their doctor as well regarding this disease. Get your child vaccinated before it is too late.
Join the movement against Meningococcal Meningitis today!
Also read about Dengue and Malaria in Children
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. Prettymummasays or the authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.
Reference:
Image Source:
- https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-do-i-do-when-my-kids-are-sick-2632431
- https://www.kveller.com/when-the-kids-are-sick-and-the-parents-work-nobody-wins/
