Meningitis, or at least some forms of it, can easily transmitted by coughing or kissing. You can also get meningitis by sharing a drinking glass or sharing items which have been in or around the mouth of someone who is infected. This could be lipstick, cigarettes, or eating after one another, for example, sharing a piece of pizza or a sandwich.

How do you know if you or your child has viral meningitis or the more serious form of bacterial meningitis? Only a doctor will be able make that determination.

The symptoms are similar, which is why it’s so important to see a doctor when you or your child develops them. You may not need the same level of care when having the milder form, but if treatment isn’t started immediately with the bacterial form, the person could develop brain damage, have a stroke, or possibly die.

Many people think meningitis is a condition reserved for children and teens. However, anyone can get meningitis, although it is often spread among children and teens because they are in close proximity in schools and are more likely to share items. (The Pulitzer prize winning author Frank McCourt recently passed away from meningitis he had contracted while in a hospice).

There is a vaccine available for children against meningitis, and due to its serious and life-threatening nature, many parents choose this option and have their child inoculated.

Vaccines provide protection against meningitis, and there are two types available. One is designed for people between the ages of 2 to 55. The other version is available for people over the age of 55.

The vaccines will not provide life-long protection, but will last up to eight years. That’s why most doctors recommend being vaccinate, when the likelihood of contracting the condition is highest.

Treatment includes antibiotic treatment which is effective 90% of the time. Obviously, the sooner treatment is administered, the better the chance of a full recovery. If they determine viral meningitis is the culprit, treatment can be as simple as treating a cold or the flu. Get bed rest, drink plenty of fluids, and treat any pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

When you understand the dangers of meningitis, it’s easy to see how important knowledge of the symptoms is. You may not think you have to worry about you or a child contracting meningitis, but it’s good to consider getting them inoculated. Or, if you chose not to, then it is good to know the symptoms so you’ll recognize them should the unthinkable happen.