Meningitis?

Question

I am concerned about meningitis. A girl in my class works with a girl who is in the hospital with meningitis. She hasn't seen her for a few weeks, but she was complaining of a headache and feeling sick today. I am afraid to be near her because of meningitis. What are the chances she could spread it even if she doesn't have it? I have had a headache on and off for the past two weeks, but now I am starting to get worried about meningitis. I knolw the symptoms, stiff neck, severe headache, rash, vomiting, but is it possible to have it without these symptoms? Anyone know more about meningitis?

Answer 1

There is only one kind of meningitis that you have to worry about, and it is called meningococcal meningitis. They symptoms rapidly progress (in a matter of hours); if yours have been going on for two weeks, it isnt this type of meningitis. People typically become sick within 4 days of exposure (although in some cases, it can be up to ten). If there has been no contact with the ill person in weeks, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Also, if she had this type of meningitis, your health department would be working to find all the exposed people, and would have called your friend already.

The other types are caused by common viruses that cause colds or stomach illnesses in most people, but can cause meningitis in the rare person.

Answer 2

Acute bacterial meningitis is a true medical emergency, and requires immediate hospital-based treatment. Bacterial strains that cause meningitis include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Listeria monocytogenes, and many other types of bacteria. In the U.S. about 17,500 cases of bacterial meningitis occur each year.

Viral meningitis is milder and occurs more often than bacterial meningitis. It usually develops in the late summer and early fall, often affects children and adults under 30. Seventy percent of the infections occur in children under the age of 5. Most viral meningitis is associated with enteroviruses, which are viruses that commonly cause intestinal illness.

Answer 3

Try checking webmd.com
I know there are two forms of meningitis: viral and bacterial. Viral gets better in about two weeks. Bacterial can lead to death. Check out the website, it has lots of info. I hope you're okay!

Answer 4

It's not likely, because you're symptoms aren't getting worse.

If it's going to give you an aneurysm go for a blood test.

Answer 5

YOU CANNOT GET MENINGITIS BY BEING WITH SOMEONE HAVING IT. THE REASON FOR YOUR HEADACH etc IS SOMTHING ELSE