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Medically reviewed by Dr. Karen Bonnie
- Meningitis B is an unusual however severe illness brought on by the micro organism Neisseria meningitidis. 5 teams of Neisseria meningitidis trigger bacterial meningitis: A, B, C, W and Y.
- Meningitis can result in an an infection of the protecting lining of the mind and the spinal wire or an an infection of the blood, generally known as septicemia.
- The micro organism that trigger meningitis B unfold when a provider or contaminated particular person is available in shut contact with one other particular person. On a regular basis actions equivalent to coughing, sneezing, kissing, dwelling in shut quarters, and sharing drinks and utensils can unfold the micro organism.
- Between 2015 to 2018, greater than 60% of meningitis instances that occurred in 16- to 23-year-olds had been brought on by meningitis B.
- Signs of meningitis B can begin out as a extreme headache, excessive fever and stiff neck. These signs can usually be confused with the flu. Some individuals have further signs equivalent to nausea or vomiting, chilly arms and ft, fast respiratory, a dark-purple rash, and exhaustion.
- Signs can progress in a short time and should turn into deadly. Although most individuals get better from meningitis B, some instances could result in different circumstances, together with everlasting disabilities, mind injury, lack of limbs and probably demise.
- Anybody can get meningitis, however charges of the illness peak in adolescence, with the best charges amongst teenagers and younger adults 16-23 years outdated. Those that reside in shut quarters, equivalent to faculty dorms or army barracks, are particularly in danger since they share drinks, utensils, loos and different areas.
- The best method to shield your self is vaccination. There are two forms of vaccines: one for teams A, C, W and Y, and one other for group B. Whereas most youngsters have been vaccinated in opposition to meningitis A, C, W and Y (beneficial for 11- to 12-year-olds with a booster at age 16), most youngsters and younger adults haven’t acquired a vaccination in opposition to meningitis B (beneficial for 16- to 23-year-olds). In 2020, seven out of 10 17-year-olds within the U.S. had not acquired one dose of meningitis B vaccination. Meningitis B vaccination wasn’t obtainable till late 2014.
- Be sure you ask your healthcare supplier about meningitis B vaccination. Though vaccination could not shield everybody, it’s the greatest protection in opposition to the illness.
This useful resource was created with assist from GSK.
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