"Recognizing the Red Flags of Bacterial Meningitis"

Bacterial meningitis, a rare but potentially fatal infection, primarily affects children and young adults. Early warning signs include fever, headache, sleepiness, rash, irritability, and lack of appetite. However, these symptoms are often not indicative of meningitis. Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen and include lethargy, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, or nausea and vomiting. Bacterial meningitis is spread through prolonged close contact, but not everyone exposed to the bacteria will develop the infection. Early diagnosis is crucial for prompt treatment, which involves IV antibiotics. Long-term issues can arise if left untreated. Prevention measures include immunization, regular hand-washing, and keeping sick children at home.