You've probably read the tragic news stories about the college kid or the young athlete who died from meningitis. Or you've heard the rumors about how you can catch it by kissing someone. But how much do you really know about the disease? Get the truth behind the top 10 meningitis myths.
Myth 1: There is only one type of meningitis.
Reality:
Meningitis is caused most commonly by a virus. Bacterial meningitis is more serious because it can be deadly if not treated soon enough. On very rare occasions, the disease is caused by a fungus. Meningitis is sometimes called spinal meningitis, regardless of the cause.
Myth 2: You can only get meningitis by kissing someone who has it.
Reality:
Although kissing is one way to spread the disease and kissing multiple partners will greatly increase your risk of contracting meningitis, it can be spread in other ways, such as by drinking out of the same glass, coughing, or sharing items like lipstick or cigarettes.
Myth 3: Only teenagers and college students are at risk of contracting meningitis.
Reality:
Anyone can get meningitis. College students who live in dorms or group housing are at higher risk because of close contact and increased likelihood of sharing items, like drinking glasses and utensils, that could spread the disease. Before the introduction of the vaccine, meningitis posed a serious threat for young children.
Myth 4: Bacterial meningitis is very common.
Reality:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viral meningitis is the most common form, but it is less severe. Because bacterial meningitis can be deadly, this type of the disease is more likely to receive attention from health officials and the press.
Myth 5: Meningitis will go away on its own.
Reality:
Bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately by a doctor or other health-care professional. Left untreated, it could result in brain damage, stroke, or death. Although viral meningitis does not require the same level of care, the symptoms of both types are so similar that only a doctor can diagnose the cause. Symptoms of meningitis include sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, light-sensitivity, drowsiness, confusion, and nausea or vomiting.
Myth 6: If you have been vaccinated once, you will be protected from meningitis for your entire life.
Reality:
There are two different vaccines that protect against meningitis. The CDC recommends a new version of the vaccine, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (also known as MCV-4 or Menactra), for people ages 2 to 55. An older type of vaccine, meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Menomune) is also effective and is safe for people older than 55. Menomune lasts for about three to five years, while Menactra provides at least eight years of protection. Because the vaccine wears off, the CDC recommends being vaccinated when you may be exposed to a high-risk setting, such as moving into a college dorm or traveling to Saudi Arabia or certain parts of Africa. If you cannot afford the vaccine, call the CDC Contact Center at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) to learn more about receiving these vaccinations for free or at a discounted price.
Myth 7: It takes a while for the symptoms to develop.
Reality:
Meningitis symptoms come on very quickly. Sometimes the onset is as rapid as a few hours, sometimes it happens over one or two days. See a doctor as soon as you notice any of the telltale symptoms-sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, light-sensitivity, drowsiness, confusion, and nausea or vomiting.
Myth 8: Meningitis cannot be cured.
Reality:
Antibiotic treatment for bacterial meningitis is about 90 percent effective. The sooner treatment can begin, the better the chances for recovery. The CDC says there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, other than bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids, although a doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain.
Myth 9: If someone has bacterial meningitis, it constitutes a major public health risk.
Reality:
Although meningitis is contagious, it can be spread only to people who have had direct contact with a sick person. In addition, due to the prevalence of the vaccine, it has become nearly unheard of for young children to contract meningitis, according to the CDC.
Myth 10: You will know if you're carrying the bacteria because you will get sick.
Reality:
It's possible to carry the bacteria in your mouth but not get sick. According to experts at the University of California, Berkeley, up to 10 percent of all people carry the bacteria in their noses or throats, but most don't get sick. Being tired, stressed, or sick from another illness will make you more susceptible.
