what is memimgitiis? My friend has been sick 4 weeks & she is finnally gping 2 doctor.

Lori Buher responds:

There are different types of meningitis – viral meningitis, which is caused by a virus, and bacterial meningitis, which is caused by one of several types and strains of bacteria. Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection that causes swelling of the membranes surrounding brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, violent headache and a characteristic purplish bruising or rash. It is a very deadly bacteria and works fast. I am glad that your friend is seeking medical help! Four weeks is a long time to be feeling ill. Best wishes for her recovery. You might want to tell her to ask her doctor about the vaccination that protects against meningococcal meningitis. It’s called Menactra. If you have children ages 11 through 18 who are not vaccinated, you might want to ask about the vaccine too! Meningitis is a terrible disease, but it is potentially vaccine-preventable. Please contact us if you have any other questions!