Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIdentifying Risk FactorsVaccinationLifestyleTreatmentFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Meningitis GuideWhat Is Meningitis?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Identifying Risk Factors
Vaccination
Lifestyle
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Meningitis Guide
Viruses are the predominant cause of meningitis, including non-polioenteroviruses,measles,mumps, herpesviruses (includingchickenpoxandshingles), and eveninfluenza viruses.
Bacterial meningitis, the second most common type, tends to be more severe and can lead to serious complications like brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities. The five most common bacterial causes areStreptococcus pneumoniae,group BStreptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis,Haemophilus influenzaetype b, andListeria monocytogenes.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Getting an infection (even ones strongly linked to meningitis) does not mean you will get meningitis. The same applies to non-infectious causes.
There are, however, risk factors that place you at increased risk of meningitis. Recognizing these risk factors help you build an individualized prevention strategy.
The risk factors for meningitis include:
Causes and Risk Factors of Meningitis
Meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) protect against more common forms of the bacteria, namely serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (MenB) protect against serogroup B infection, the most frequent cause of meningococcal disease in the United States.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccines are recommended for all adolescents 11 to 12 years of age, with a second dose given at age 16. Serogroup B vaccines may be used in adolescents and young adults 16 through 23 who are at increased risk due to a meningitis outbreak or certain medical conditions.
The MenABCWY vaccine (Penbraya) is available as an option for those who are recommended to receive both a MenACWY vaccine and a MenB vaccine during the same visit. The second dose of this vaccine is given six months after the first. This vaccine, which combines components of a MenACWY vaccine and a MenB vaccine, is the only vaccine to protect against fiveN. meningitidisserogroups.
Meningitis can occur as a complication of other infections, such asherpes zoster (shingles)andHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib). Although there are vaccines that can prevent these infections (and, in turn, complications like meningitis), they aren’t regarded as “meningitis vaccines” per se.
Meningitis Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know
To reduce your risk of meningitis, particularly if you are in a high-risk group:
Living in close quarters, such as residence halls or military barracks, can also create a hotbed of infections. While moving is not always possible, you should take extra precautions if you areimmunocompromised, particularly during outbreaks of meningitis that frequently occur in colleges and universities.
Unlike in universities, the rate of meningococcal meningitis in military installations is low due to themandatory vaccinationsof troops.
People who may have been exposed toN. meningitidisor who are at risk of being carriers should be givenprophylactic(preventive) oral antibiotics to protect themselves and others. Those at risk include people living in the same household or anyone in direct contact with the infected person’s saliva (such as through kissing).
During an outbreak, meningococcal vaccination is recommended for anyone identified as being at risk.In places like universities, this may involve implementing a mass “opt-in” vaccination program.
Oral antibiotics are recommended for anyone potentially exposed toNeisseria meningitideseven if they have already received the meningococcal vaccine.
Meningitis Doctor Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.Download PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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A Word From Verywell
Meningitis has many different causes. The most serious causes can be prevented with vaccinations, good hygiene, and the avoidance of infection.
If meningitis does occur, either infectious or non-infectious, it is important to recognize the symptoms. Call your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you experience any of the tell-tale signs, including:
Early diagnosis and treatment almost invariably lead to better outcomes.
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to look for signs of meningitis. You may have tests to analyze your blood, urine, or mucus. A spinal tap may also be done to analyze your spinal fluid and confirm which type of bacteria are causing your illness.
What Is Meningitis?
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Van Veen KEB, Brouwer MC, van der Ende A, van de Beek D.Bacterial meningitis in patients using immunosuppressive medication: a population-based prospective nationwide study.J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2017;12(2):213-8. doi:10.1007/s11481-016-9705-6
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease: prevention.
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