Moms are the first care givers for babies thus being updated with healthcare information helps to a great extent. I am a firm believer of protecting my child from ghastly diseases through vaccinations. There are times we are unaware about near fatal diseases, and we are not even helping our kids with complete immunization. Did you know Invasive Meningococcal Disease can kill or disable an otherwise healthy young person within 24-48 hours? (5)
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. (1)
What an online session on meningitis taught me?
I attended an online session on meningitis where Dr. Vijay Yewale, former president, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, mentioned how Invasive Meningococcal Disease is a rare but potentially devastating bacterial infection. Some facts that he shared were alarming.
- Meningococcal Meningitis can occur to infants, adolescents and adults
- Meningococcal disease can be spread through respiratory droplets (e.g. Coughing, sneezing) and coming in contact with an infected person (coughing, kissing)
- Symptoms are like flu – fever, nausea, head ache, stiff neck
- Fast diagnosis and treatment are imperative as it can get fatal as rapidly as within 24 hours
Meningococcal Meningitis in children may cause blindness, deafness, seizures, collection of fluid around the brain, brain damage, learning difficulties. 15% children who survive can have lifelong disability. (5)
Is this disease vaccine preventable?
Meningococcal Meningitis is vaccine preventable. Unfortunately, the meningococcal vaccine, despite the severity of the disease, is still not a mandatory vaccine listed in India’s immunization program. It is a mandatory vaccine in countries like US, UK, Netherlands, Australia. (6)
But since adolescents play a key role in the transmission of Meningococcal bacteria it is always a good option to get your child vaccinated for it. Ask your doctor about it today.
(source)
I am being an informed parent. It’s always better to be informed and take precautions. As parents we should always teach good hygiene to our kids – washing hands every time before they eat, use hand sanitizers, cover the mouth while coughing or sneezing.
As a mother, I would strongly recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor today to understand this deadly disease better. Forewarned is forearmed.
Join the movement against Meningococcal Meningitis today!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views solely of the blogger. This is a part of public awareness initiative on meningitis supported by Sanofi Pasteur India. Sanofi Pasteur bears no responsibility for the content of the blog. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information. This article is meant to help create awareness and spread knowledge. Any decision regarding your health and child’s health should be done after consultation with your doctor. While all efforts are made to keep articles updated, the speed of research in these fields mean the information often may change when more research knowledge is available. TinaBasu or the authors should be in no way held responsible in that case.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/children/understanding-meningitis-basics#1
https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=meningitis-in-children-90-P02528
- https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/what-is-meningitis/frequently-asked-questions/
- https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/health/story/story/meningococcal-vaccines-what-you-need-to-know/1/388548-297991-2014-09-24
- https://safety.colostate.edu/meningitis-disease/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningococcal-meningitis
- https://www.indianpediatrics.net/dec2013/dec-1095-1108.htm
15 comments
The awareness against Meningococcal Meningitis is much needed and very important to help those in need.
Meningitis is a severe bacterial infection that affects lives of so many children. it is really good that nowadays,we have vaccines to offer protect our kids against it. will check more about the movement.
Meningococcal Meningitis is scary and fatal. Glad that vaccination is available to prev6this deadly disease
I got to know about this deadly disease from our pediatrician last year, it is always better to be aware and prepared. Thanks for sharing this informative post and spreading awareness.
Thanks a lot for the information. No matter how hard we try we always tend to miss some information thanks for filling in the gap
This is a dangerous disease and we all should spread awareness about it. Thanks for sharing.
We as parents should be aware of such fatal diseases. A vaccination at the right time can actually make things better.
Getting awareness out there is wonderful, it is scary how fast things like this can spread.
Very helpful and informative post to read, this is so important to know by all people as it is a very fatal disease that can kill a person in short period of time. Thank you for sharing this with us I really appreciate it.
As a parent it is so important that we are aware of all the symptoms of meningitis and how we can avoid it. Thank you for the share
This is so important to know. I had a friend who’s daughter got very sick with this! Thank you for sharing!
This is why I am pro-vaccine and try my best to educate anti-vaxxers. It’s so important to get our children the vaccines that they need, when they need them.
Every outbreak of a disease – big or small – scares me. This is a very insightful post and definitely preventive against meningitis! Thanks for sharing!
Things must-know here you share. Educating yourself on child-related health issues is very important.
This is one disease I will vaccinate for. It terrifies me.