Meningitis and What You Need To Know
The first day of class is fast approaching! If you’re sending your child off to college, you may be thinking about the meningitis vaccine? I’ve received emails from concerned parents wanting to know more. So after doing my research, here’s what I found.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability. It’s also important to know which type of bacteria is causing the meningitis because antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading.
Symptoms include a fever of 102 or higher, stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. These symptoms can develop over several hours or they may take 1 to 2 days.
The CDC states the diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid performed through a spinal tap.
Meningitis is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions … sharing a glass, coughing or kissing. Since most college students live in dorms, the CDC and the Health Department recommend the vaccine for teens.
Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics. The CDC states, early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, see your doctor immediately.
There is no state law requiring students have the vaccine however, the college and universities I spoke with all recommend it. In fact, Ohio Senator Gary Cates is backing proposed legislation that would require Ohio students living on campus to get vaccinated for meningitis and hepatitis B or obtain a waiver.
If you’re a parent here’s what it will cost you to get your child vaccinated. First of all, depending on your coverage it could cost anywhere from 60 to over a 100 dollars. The health center at Ohio State charges 120 dollars for the vaccine. Ohio University’s health center charges 105 dollars. Miami University says they charge 170 dollars and at Bowling Green its 110 dollars. Otterbein’s health center charges 100 dollars.
If you have any more questions the CDC’s website is helpful or you can always talk to your family doctor.
Amy
