Can an 18 year old get meningitis?
Can an 18 year old get meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
How is meningitis diagnosed in teenagers?
If meningitis is suspected, the doctor will order tests, probably including a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect a sample of spinal fluid. This test will show any signs of inflammation and whether the infection is due to a virus or bacteria.
How does meningitis start in adults?
Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. The most common causes of meningitis are viral and bacterial infections. Other causes may include: cancer.
What gender is most likely to get meningitis?
The reported attack rate for bacterial meningitis is 3.3 male cases per 100,000 population, compared with 2.6 female cases per 100,000 population. However, in meningitis caused by the mumps virus, males and females are affected equally. In neonates, the male-to-female ratio is 3:1.
What percentage of teens get meningitis?
21 percent of all meningococcal disease cases occur in preteens, teens and young adults ages 11–24.
What age group gets meningitis?
Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but rates of disease are highest in children younger than 1 year old, with a second peak in adolescence. Among teens and young adults, those 16 through 23 years old have the highest rates of meningococcal disease.
How many people have the classic signs of meningitis?
Unfortunately, not everyone with meningitis has all of these symptoms. Only approximately 45% of people with meningitis have all three of these classic signs. Almost everyone, however, has at least one of the classic symptoms. ADHD Symptoms in Children? ADHD Symptoms in Children? When Should People Seek Medical Care for Meningitis?
Why is meningitis less common in children now?
Meningitis in children is becoming less common because children now receive the Hib vaccine in infancy as well as the pneumococcal vaccine ( Prevnar ). Bacterial meningitis can occur for a number of reasons. Often it is the result of an infection by bacteria that already live in the nose and mouth.
How to know if your child has meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal Vaccination for Preteens and Teens: Information for Parents 1 Preteens and teens are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, an uncommon but serious illness. 2 There are two types of meningococcal vaccines available in the United States. 3 Your child can get a meningococcal conjugate and serogroup B vaccine at the same time.
What causes meningitis that is not contagious?
Amoebic meningitis isn’t contagious. Non-infectious meningitis is caused by diseases like lupus or cancer, or if you’ve had a head injury, brain surgery, or take certain medications. It isn’t contagious. Chronic meningitis has similar symptoms as acute meningitis, but develops over a couple of weeks.