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how can you prevent the spread of bacterial meningitis

by Keara Heathcote Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Vaccination. Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis: Meningococcal vaccines help protect against N.

Prevention

Symptoms

Causes

Complications

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How can bacterial meningitis be spread?

The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing. coughing. kissing.

What precautions are needed for bacterial meningitis?

What infection control precautions are required? Meningococcal meningitis patients should be placed on droplet precautions (private room, mask for all entering the room) until they have completed 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Negative pressure ventilation is not required.

How can you prevent meningitis naturally?

A healthy immune system can help prevent an infection from the viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis. Keep your immune system at its fighting best by eating healthy — including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins — and by getting regular exercise. Also, be sure to get the sleep you need.

Is meningitis spread by droplet or airborne?

Bacterial meningitis is NOT spread through casual contact or the airborne route; however, some bacteria can be spread by close contact with respiratory droplets (e.g., in daycare centers).

What PPE is required for bacterial meningitis?

Wear gloves and protective clothing such as a gown or lab coat, shoes, and a mask (if the spill may contain a respiratory agent or if the agent is unknown).

Which type of precautions should the nurse implement for the client diagnosed with bacterial meningitis?

If Meningococcal Meningitis is suspected patients should be isolated and droplet precautions continued for 24 hours after administration of appropriate antibiotics.

Is bacterial meningitis contagious?

Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness and can be life-threatening. It's most often caused by Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Both are contagious.

What are the nursing management of meningitis?

The major goal of treating the patient with meningitis is to determine the type (viral or bacterial), resolve the infection, and control pain and discomfort. This includes use of antibiotics, steroids, analgesics and antipyretics. Patient ICP should be monitored and preventative vaccines should be given.

What is the best way to prevent meningitis?from everydayhealth.com

The vaccine to prevent meningitis is also recommended if you're entering the military, traveling, or planning to live in a country where bacterial meningitis is common. Getting vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox can help prevent diseases that can lead to viral meningitis.

How does meningitis spread?from everydayhealth.com

How does meningitis spread? The disease is most often caused by bacteria or a virus, with the viral form of the disease usually being less serious than bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can cause hearing loss, brain damage, other disabilities, and even death — and it's contagious, potentially transmitted through kissing or sharing close quarters with an infected person.

Why do meningitis outbreaks make the news?from everydayhealth.com

Twitter. Pinterest. Copy Link. Medically Reviewed. Meningitis outbreaks often make the news because of the highly contagious nature of the disease. Although bacterial meningitis is rare — striking roughly 1,500 Americans annually — it can spread quickly, forcing health officials to go into overdrive to contain it.

How to avoid catching fungus?from wikihow.health

Thus, one of the best ways to avoiding catching it is to avoid exposure to fungus whenever possible . [9]

What are the two medications that increase the chances of getting a fungal infection?from wikihow.health

The 2 types of medications that can increase your chances of getting a fungal infection are corticosteroids and TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors.

How far away should you be from a respiratory infection?from everydayhealth.com

If someone you know has a respiratory infection, keep at least 3 feet away to stay out of the line of fire of any coughing, Vassallo says. Likewise, when you cough or sneeze, be kind to others: Bury your head in your elbow so that your spray goes into your sleeve and no further, then wash your hands.

Where do bacteria live in the body?from everydayhealth.com

The bacteria reside in droplets of fluid in the throat and nose and can leave the body when an infected person sneezes, laughs, coughs, or talks. If you’re close enough to breathe in the droplets or get them on your hands and then touch your nose or mouth, you can get a meningitis infection.

What is the best way to prevent meningitis?from everydayhealth.com

The vaccine to prevent meningitis is also recommended if you're entering the military, traveling, or planning to live in a country where bacterial meningitis is common. Getting vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox can help prevent diseases that can lead to viral meningitis.

How does meningitis spread?from everydayhealth.com

How does meningitis spread? The disease is most often caused by bacteria or a virus, with the viral form of the disease usually being less serious than bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can cause hearing loss, brain damage, other disabilities, and even death — and it's contagious, potentially transmitted through kissing or sharing close quarters with an infected person.

How to avoid catching fungus?from wikihow.health

Thus, one of the best ways to avoiding catching it is to avoid exposure to fungus whenever possible . [9]

What are the two medications that increase the chances of getting a fungal infection?from wikihow.health

The 2 types of medications that can increase your chances of getting a fungal infection are corticosteroids and TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors.

How far away should you be from a respiratory infection?from everydayhealth.com

If someone you know has a respiratory infection, keep at least 3 feet away to stay out of the line of fire of any coughing, Vassallo says. Likewise, when you cough or sneeze, be kind to others: Bury your head in your elbow so that your spray goes into your sleeve and no further, then wash your hands.

How to boost your immune system?from wikihow.health

Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to boost your immune system. Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best step you can take towards keeping your immune system strong. Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and exercise regularly to maintain a properly functioning immune system. [13]

What to do if you are struggling with drug addiction?from wikihow.health

If you are struggling with drug addiction, talk to your doctor. They can recommend a rehabilitation program or prescribe medications to help you quit.

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Causes

Risk Factors

Prevention

Meningitis can be prevented by following practices:

  • Vaccination is available for some of the bacterial meningitis. Available vaccines includes: Hemophilusinfluenza type b (Hib) vaccine, Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), Meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
  • Regular Hand Washing – Handwashing before eating, after using toilets, spending time in public or crowded place. Practice good hygiene: One can prevent the spread of infection by avoiding sharing of food, drinks, and utensils. Balanced diet and healthy weight increase the immunity and prevent infection.

Symptoms
If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of Meningitis, seek medical attention immediately.

Meningitis symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck.

There are often other symptoms, such as

  • Headache with nausea or vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Sudden fever
  • Severe Headache that seems different than normal
  • Seizures
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sleepiness
  • Lethargy
  • Skin rash

Causes

  • Meningitis is most commonly caused by bacterial and viral infection
  • Viral Meningitis is caused by
  • Enterovirus class viruses
  • Coxsackie viruses
  • Echo viruses
  • Other type of viruses which can cause meningitis include
  • West Nile virus
  • Influenza, HIV
  • Herpes virus, etc
  • Most viral meningitis resolves without specific treatment.
  • Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacterial infection. This is contagious and deadly. Most common types of bacterial species that cause bacterial meningitis are
  • Streptococcus pneumonia – causes pneumococcal meningitis
  • Neisseria mengitidis – causes meningococcal meningitis
  • Listeria monocytogens
  • Haemophilus Influenza
  • Bacterial and viral meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing and sharing utensils, etc. Spread can be prevented by covering mouth while coughing and sneezing. Avoiding contact with sick people- particularly if you have an immune problem (for example due to medications or chemotherapy is strongly recommended).
  • The risk factors include:
  • Age - Children below 5 years are more prone to develop viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is common in below 20 years of age.
  • Pregnancy
  • Weakened immune system
  • Skipping vaccinations

Complications

Following are the complications associated with meningitis:

  • Brain damage
  • Seizure
  • Hearing loss
  • Buildup of fluid between brain and skull
  • Learning disabilities
  • Loss of memory

How It Spreads

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

  • Certain germs that cause bacterial meningitis, such as L. monocytogenes, can spread through food. But most of these germs spread from one person to another. How people spread the germs often depends on the type of bacteria. It is also important to know that people can have these bacteria in or on their bodies without being sick. These people are “carriers.” Most carriers neve…
See more on cdc.gov

1.6 Ways to Prevent Meningitis - Meningitis Center

Url:https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/understanding-meningitis/prevent-meningitis-pictures/

2 hours ago Web · Practicing good hygiene can also help you avoid exposure. Meningococcal meningitis is usually spread through contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of an …

2.How Can I Avoid Getting Meningitis? - Healthline

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/meningitis-awareness/avoidance

29 hours ago WebPrevention Is bacterial meningitis contagious? You should encourage anyone who you have come into close contact with to seek preventative treatment. Anyone who you have had …

3.Prevent Meningitis: Tips to Protect Your Child - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/prevent-meningitis-tips-protect-your-teen

1 hours ago WebGood personal hygiene can help prevent the spread of disease: Don't share food, glasses, water bottles, or eating utensils. Don't share tissues or towels. Don't share lip gloss or …

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