It is time to transfer to a university, the FAFSA's been completed, class schedule has been made and books purchased.
Seems like everything is good to go, but there could be something left out that could potentially be deadly.
The name of this silent killer is meningococcal disease, also known as meningitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain." Meningitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infection.
On Oct. 20, 1999, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend that college students, particularly freshmen living in dormitories, be educated about meningococcal meningitis and the potential benefits of a vaccination.
ACIP further recommends that immunizations should be provided or made easily available to those freshmen who wish to reduce their risk for meningococcal meningitis.
Texas public and private universities do not require the meningitis vaccine as in other states but do recommend it.
Viral meningitis is the most common and rarely causes serious illnesses.
Only in severe cases, it can cause prolonged fever and seizures.
Bacterial meningitis is least common but more serious. Treatment is needed immediately to prevent brain damage or death.
Viral meningitis is caused by viruses and bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria.
Meningitis is highly contagious and can be spread by kissing, drinking after others, coughing and sneezing and through close contact.
The infection occurs commonly in children, teens, young adults, older adults, individuals with long-term health problems and weakened immune systems.
Common symptoms are fever, headache, vomiting, seizures, trouble staying awake and a stiff and painful neck in anyone older than 2.
Early treatment and diagnosis are important and if symptoms occur, the individual should see a doctor immediately.
For more information regarding meningitis, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov.
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