From: (Bianca Miciano)
Don’t wait to vaccinate your child against meningitis. You have heard of this term many times in the past, but do you really want to know what it is? Basically, this is the inflammation of the meninges, the lining around the brain and spinal cord. This is usually caused by viral or bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is relatively more common and less serious. The bacterial kind, on the other hand, can actually lead to brain damage and death if not treated immediately.
Meningitis, whether viral or bacterial, is spread through droplets from a sneeze or a cough coming from an infected person. When these droplets are breathed in by other people, they may go on to develop into something a whole lot deadlier. It is best that you know the symptoms so that you are able to protect your baby at all costs. First of all, the disease may show flu-like symptoms. Aside from these, other signs include:
– Fever of extremely low body temperature
– Loss of interest in food
– Drowsiness and lethargy
– Irritability and fretting
– Red or purple rash on the skin
– Becoming floppy or unusually stiff
– Irregular or labored breathing
– Sensitivity to light
Vaccination can protect your baby because the pneumococcal vaccine is extremely effective. It is now important for children under two years of age to get the shot. Moreover, good hygiene is also important to avoid infection. Wash your baby’s hands thoroughly and frequently. Do the same for yourself because you will be holding his food during feeding time. Make sure your hands are clean as well whenever you use the bathroom.
Because bacterial meningitis can lead to death within hours, it is vital to seek urgent medical attention if you suspect that your child has it. Only a doctor can find out the type and give immediate treatment with antibiotics if it is bacterial in origin. Viral meningitis is rarely fatal, but it can be debilitating. Some children only feel the symptoms for up to 10 days. Others, on the other hand, experience them for three to four months, which can lead to hospitalization.
Sadly, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis just yet. Doctors recommend a lot of home treatment. This involves rest and good nursing care that includes providing lots of fluids to drink and giving medicine for the fever and pain. As a parent, you need to give your baby the best shot at life. Protect him from whatever could put a risk to his life. You need to make sure that your baby grows up to be strong and healthy. A lot of work may be required of you, but you know that all these pay off in the end. Be careful and talk to your doctor about the right time to go for the vaccination. Your pediatrician knows how to care for your baby even better than you do. So, put your trust in him and never hesitate to ask questions should you ever have doubts. Make your doctor your best friend, and your angel should be safe and sound.