Who is most susceptible to bacterial meningitis

Medically Reviewed. Viruses that can cause meningitis include: Mumps virus Herpes simplex type 2 virus genital herpes Varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and, later in life, shingles Bacteria that can cause meningitis include: Neisseria meningitidis meningococcus Streptococcus pneumoniae Haemophilus influenzae type b Some people are more susceptible to meningitis than others.

Those at higher risk for meningitis include: People with weakened immune systems Child care providers Pregnant women College students and other people who live in close proximity to one another Suppressed Immune Systems and Meningitis Risks People at highest risk for getting meningitis are those whose immune systems are weak, such as people who: Have certain diseases or are getting certain treatments.

Some types of cancer and infection with HIV increase your risk, as does taking immunosuppressant medications such as chemotherapy and corticosteroids. Immunosuppressant medicines are drugs that lessen the infection-fighting power of the immune system, which normally guards the body against foreign invaders that can make you sick.

Engage in certain behaviors. Anyone who smokes or is exposed to secondhand smoke , drinks excessive amounts of alcohol, or takes part in binge drinking is at risk. All of these activities weaken the immune system. Have had certain surgeries. Removal of your spleen puts you at risk for meningitis, because the spleen is an important part of the immune system.

Child Care and Meningitis Risk. There is also evidence that mass gatherings and exposure to smoke, for example, can make people more susceptible to certain causes of meningitis and septicaemia Medical conditions - like problems with the immune system can increase risk Contact with a case - cases of meningitis are usually isolated, but in some situations people who have been in close contact with someone who is ill with bacterial meningitis may be at increased risk of disease.

Young babies Newborn babies are at the highest risk of all age groups. Symptoms in babies Toddlers Toddlers are the next highest risk age group for bacterial meningitis. Despite this, there are still causes of meningitis and septicaemia for which no vaccines are available, Symptoms in toddlers Teenagers and young adults Teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of meningitis and septicaemia caused by meningococcal bacteria.

Symptoms in teens and young adults Older adults Adults over the age of 65 are also at an increased risk of certain types of meningitis. Symptoms in adults.

Geography and environment. Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions can put people at higher risk of meningitis and septicaemia. Contact with a case. Babies and toddlers are at increased risk of menigitis Robbie Jones contracted meningococcal disease at 21 months resulting in his left leg being amputated below the knee, the right leg above the knee and the loss of fingers on his left hand.

What are meningitis and septicaemia? Meningitis and septicaemia are serious, life threatening illnesses. Read more. Causes of meningitis and septicaemia. Find out more. What's the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis? Dr Fiona McGill answers one of our most frequently asked questions. Read the blog. What is the 'meningitis rash'? It is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis.

There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis:. Make sure you and your child are vaccinated on schedule. The vaccines also do not protect against infections from all the types strains of each of these bacteria.

For these reasons, there is still a chance vaccinated people can develop bacterial meningitis. When someone has bacterial meningitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics to help prevent people around the patient from getting sick.

Doctors call this prophylaxis. CDC recommends prophylaxis for:. Pregnant women should talk to their doctor or midwife about getting tested for group B Streptococcus. Women receive the test when they are 36 through 37 weeks pregnant. Doctors give antibiotics during labor to women who test positive in order to prevent passing group B strep to their newborns. Pregnant women can also reduce their risk of meningitis caused by L. Women should avoid certain foods during pregnancy and safely prepare others.

You can also help protect yourself and others from bacterial meningitis and other health problems by maintaining healthy habits:. These healthy habits are especially important for people at increased risk for disease, including:. Top of Page. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation.

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