Will the vaccine protect against meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the spinal cord and brain. The disease is very dangerous and is characterized by serious consequences, both for physical and psychological development. Unfortunately, today the universal vaccine against meningitis is not invented. The problem is that this serious disease causes various pathogenic bacteria and viruses. But still, prevention is developed and actively used among the population. Vaccination helps prevent infection with many diseases that subsequently lead to the development of meningitis. Most often the vaccine against meningitis (that is, from a number of microorganisms - pathogens of infections) is made to children at an early age.

Of course, not one drug has been developed that prevents the emergence of viral and bacterial meningitis. We list only a few of them.

- Vaccine against bacteria of the species Haemophilus influenzae. These are the causative agents of quite strong pneumonia and meningitis. Particularly dangerous for a person is type B, against which, in fact, a vaccination preparation has been created. Vaccinations are subject to children under 5 years, as well as children of any age, suffering from certain diseases. Until recently, hemophilic rods were considered the most common pathogens of bacterial meningitis , but due to proactive prevention, cases of diseases became rare.

- A vaccine against meningitis, which protects against microbial agents entering the genus Neisseria. First of all, we are talking about meningococci. Usually it is administered to children under 12 years old. It is used to protect people with diseases that reduce the activity of the immune system. In some regions, this vaccine is also recommended to recruit soldiers and students living in dormitories. Of course, do not forget about the tourists, especially if you are traveling to some countries in Africa, where even today there are outbreaks of meningococcal infections.

- The next vaccine against meningitis is directed against the action of pneumococci. These microbes often cause inflammation of the meninges. Two types of pneumococcal vaccine have been developed. Polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults over 60 years. The second conjugation pneumococcal vaccine is used to prevent babies younger than two years old and children aged 2 to 5 years who are at risk.

Of course, a vaccine against meningitis is currently being developed, which could reduce the risk of this disease. But so far, it remains only to take measures to protect your body from pathogens.

So, how not to get meningitis? You need to start with the most basic things. Since some kinds of meningitis are transmitted exclusively by aerogenic means, it is necessary to refrain from close contact with sick people. Also use personal items of personal hygiene - these are, first of all, towels and toothbrushes. But if you still could not avoid a close contact with an infected person, immediately consult a doctor.