Discover how meningitis spreads which red flag symptoms to watch for and why early treatment is critical.
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. Swelling can cause fever headache neck stiffness and mental changes.
Sudden high fever severe headache light sensitivity nausea vomiting and fatigue. In infants poor feeding and a bulging fontanelle.
Can worsen within hours. Confusion and seizures may occur. Needs urgent antibiotics and intensive support.
Usually milder. Headache low grade fever muscle aches and fatigue. Rest and hydration help most cases.
Respiratory droplets close contact shared items fecal oral routes and contaminated foods. Crowded settings raise risk.
Red or purple spots that do not fade with a glass test may spread quickly. Requires urgent evaluation.
Meningococcal pneumococcal and Hib vaccines protect. Priority for infants teens students travelers and those with chronic conditions.
Bacterial needs urgent IV antibiotics. Viral improves with rest and fluids. Recovery viral 1 2 weeks bacterial weeks to months.