Heres everything you should know about pneumococcal meningitis.
People can carry theS.
pneumoniaebacteria without contracting an infection like meningitis or other pneumococcal disease, like pneumonia.
wutwhanfoto / Getty Images
In fact, most kids will be carriers ofS.
pneumoniaeat some point without getting sick.
Scientists arent sure why some people get sick fromS.
pneumoniaewhile others are carriers who do not experience any symptoms of pneumococcal disease.
However, there are certain factors associated with a higher risk for pneumococcal meningitis.
During this procedure, a small amount of spinal fluid is removed from your lower spine.
It can then be tested in the lab for bacteria, includingS.
This canconfirm the diagnosisof meningitis.
Treatment
Its critical to starttreatment for pneumococcal meningitisimmediately.
Pneumococcal meningitis must be treated in the hospitalyou should never take a stab at manage the symptoms at home.
If you dont quickly show signs of improvement, your healthcare provider will likely move on to other antibiotics.
These antibiotics are also used totreat tuberculosis (TB).
In some cases, healthcare providers will also prescribe corticosteroids.
These canhelp control pain, and help your body fight off the infection.
Its particularly common to use corticosteroids for children who have pneumococcal meningitis.
Prognosis and Coping
Pneumococcal meningitis is a very serious condition.
It kills 22% of adults and 8% of children who contract it.
For others, pneumococcal meningitis can cause lifelong health impacts.
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether the vaccine is right for you or your child.
In addition to getting your vaccination, you’re able to prevent the spread ofS.
pneumoniaethrough good hygiene practices, including properly washing your hands and covering coughs and sneezes.
Summary
Pneumococcal meningitis occurs whenS.
pneumoniaebacteria infect the lining of the spinal cord or brain.
This key in of bacterial meningitis is among the most common, but also the most serious.
However, the sooner you start treatment, the less likely you are to have a serious case.
Appropriate therapieslike physical therapy and counselingcan help you recover some or all of your functions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical features of pneumococcal disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal vaccination.
