meningitis?

Question

do you know if you are susceptable to meningitis if you have had someone in your family die of it...like my Dad died of it, so does that mean that I am able to catch it too? because like I've heard that some people like aren't affected by it.

Answer 1

Meningitis is caused by a virus (which isn't serious) or a bacterial infection (which is a serious medical emergency). It is not hereditary. You're still susceptible to meningitis, and you should definitely see a doctor if you show symptons, but you aren't necessarily more likely to contract it.

Common symptoms (of both types) are a sore neck, a severe headache increased sensitivity to light and sound, a high fever (usually accompanied by chills), nausea, and twitching. A minority of people also develop seizures during the time, and children sometimes become delirious.

In regards to your last sentence, while many people go their entire lives without contracting meningitis, there's no evidence that they have an actual immunity.

Answer 2

There are two types of meningitis--viral and bacterial. Both of them are serious, but the bacterial type is the one that usually kills you. Neither type runs in families, so you don't have to worry there. I understand your concern--my son had viral meningitis when he was 4 and I've never been so scared. The symptoms are flu-like, usually starting with a really bad headache, then vomiting and fever.
You aren't any more suceptible to it than the general population, but anyone can catch it.

Answer 3

Anyone can get meningitis. If you drink a lot or live in cramped quarters, you are especially susceptible to getting it. There are no people who can't get it, but you can decrease your risk for bacterial meningitis by getting vaccinated.