Can you get meningitis more than once

Pneumococcal infections include ear infections, sinusitis, pneumonia, bloodstream Meningococcal infections can lead to meningitis an infection of tissue covering If bacterial meningitis recurs, doctors do a physical examination and sometimes take x-rays or do computed tomography CT to check for defects in the skull base and spinal column. They may also do blood tests to check for hereditary disorders of the immune system.

Recurrent bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics and dexamethasone Treatment Acute bacterial meningitis is rapidly developing inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord meninges and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges subarachnoid This type of recurrent meningitis is called Mollaret meningitis.

Typically, people have three or more episodes of fever, headache, and a stiff neck. The episodes usually last 2 to 5 days, then resolve on their own.

People may appear drowsy or sluggish. Some have seizures, vision problems, or hearing loss. Mollaret meningitis is treated with the antiviral drug acyclovir. Most people recover fully. Recurrent meningitis may also be caused by conditions that are not infections see table Some Causes of Noninfectious Meningitis Some Causes of Noninfectious Meningitis Noninfectious meningitis is inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord meninges and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges subarachnoid space when It begins as tiny red pin pricks, but may quickly develop to look like fresh bruising.

The Glass Test can be used to see if the rash might be septicaemia. If you press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly onto the spots or bruises, they will not fade. A rash will not always appear with meningitis and can be one of the last symptoms to be displayed. Never wait for a rash if you suspect meningitis. If someone has septicaemia alone, the common signs of meningitis, such as a severe headache or neck stiffness, may not be present.

The early signs and symptoms of septicaemia include:. Septicaemia can progress very quickly, resulting in severe shock and, in some cases, death within hours. If septicaemia is suspected, urgent medical help is needed. If you have identified signs and symptoms and someone's general health is deteriorating, you need to act quickly.

The following links are relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis and septicaemia:. Bacterial meningitis and septicaemia. When there is a case of meningococcal disease there is a slightly increased risk of the disease spreading to the household and kissing contacts of a primary case. Antibiotics are given to kill any meningococcal bacteria which may be carried at the back of the throat of the contact and prevent any further transmission.

These antibiotics are not a form of prevention. It is still important to look out for signs and symptoms. Vaccines are available to prevent some types of meningitis and most of these are available as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule. However, not all types of meningitis can be prevented by these vaccines.

The majority of people will make a full recovery, but some people may be left with after-effects from both bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis. After-effects include:. The toxins that are released during septicaemia cause damage to blood vessels.

Viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be very serious if not treated. A number of meningitis vaccinations provide protection against many of the infections that can cause meningitis. The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but are not ill themselves. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.

Antibiotics do not help viral infections, so they are not useful in the treatment of viral meningitis. However, antibiotics do fight bacteria, so they are very important when treating bacterial meningitis. People who develop severe illness, or are at risk for developing severe illness, may need care in a hospital. There are no vaccines available in the United States to protect against non-polio enteroviruses, which are the most common cause of viral meningitis. The best way to help protect yourself and others from non-polio enterovirus infections is to.

Vaccines can protect against some diseases, such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, and influenza, which can lead to viral meningitis. Make sure you and your child are vaccinated on schedule. Control mice and rats. If you have a rodent in or around your home, follow appropriate cleaning and control precautions.

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