As a mommy I know I want to protect my child .The universe has a magical way of providing help and today I plan to share with you everything I learned from my child’s pediatrician about Meningococcal Meningitis and what you should ask your doctor.

But before the deep dive a little biology background.

Did you know your brain and spinal cord wear a special cover called the meninges?Its a very special protection which prevents all and sundry(germs and chemicals) from  entering the brain.Its the most important component of the blood brain barrier and when the meninges get irritated or inflamed its called meningitis.

Its pretty serious  situation as  you can very well guess.

Luckily the meninges are rather tough .But some evil virus and bacteria do get under its defence radar.

Common bacterial  ones include Meningococcus or Neisseria Meningitidis(vaccine available-yes)

Haemophilus Influenzae(vaccine available-yes)

Streptococcus Pneumoniae(vaccine available-yes)

Other virus,bacteria,fungus may also cause meningitis,depending on the immunity,health and country.Its a wide variety!

The bacterial meningitis. are tough and difficult to fight .1 in 6 people with bacterial meningitis may die or suffer from severe complications.These compications are often rarely treatable and often debilitating.

Most infections are concerning for infants and young kids.But Meningococcus affects school going kids (preteens,teens) and even adults in high risk profession(healthcare,army) too.It may  also affect those living in hostels,international travellers at all ages.

 The problem with meningococcus is it gives doctors very little time to fight it.Its a nightmare.But luckily there are vaccines for  this really horrible bacteria.

Meningococcus most commonly spreads by nasal route and may be a commensal for someone(3 to 30% in the nasopharynx) and a pathogen for another(when the nasal mucosal barrier is broken).When the commensal will invade the blood stream, under what circumstances is still not clearly known.

In some it causes meningitis and in some fatal septicaemia(purpura fulminans-hence rash).Preventive vaccination is still the best defence.

It can start off like an innocucious rash ,joint pain.The spectrum evolves rapidly within hours and is fatal if not treated on clinical suspicion of meningoccal infection  alone.There may be  rapidly rising fever ,with delirium or  worse .The neck stiffness  or altered consciousness may be the only thing guiding  a clinical suspicion.

A lumbar puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid may be the only way to diagnose conclusively .But the bacteria is often over active and antibiotics are started  on clinical suspicion.

The vaccine is an excellent protection which is  recommended,but not yet a part of the National Immunisation programme.

India is one of the world’s most populous  country and we do  have a wide variety of everything, including germs.The good news is ,good hand hygiene and overall health protects against most of the devilish germs.A few here and there are though especially bad and meningococcus is not a bacteria you want to mess with.When a commensal meningococcus switches to a virulent strain,is still unknown.

There in lies the worry.Its a ticking germ bomb !

I got my child vaccinated a few years back ,because kids will be kids . Meningococcal meningitis even when treated  on time with the best medicines,may  leave behind scars.

My daughter took the vaccine and she is fine.Most people don’t face any problems with it ,but mild fever,pain or discomfort in the area of the vaccine,muscle pain  are side effects which may be expected.Remember to get vaccinated in a doctors clinic or a hospital  to be safe .

Meningococcal vaccine protects against the serious ,invasive meningococcal diseases which can be life threatening with long term irreparable  damage .Vaccines(best ),good nutrition and good hygiene are some of the ways to give effective,long lasting protection.

Before making any decision about your child’s health, you must talk to  your Pediatrician about the Meningococcal Vaccine .

You can ask about his experience with meningococcal vaccine.

How safe is the vaccine?

How many doses are needed?

(Usually less than- two years two doses are needed.After two years -single dose is enough.)

Who can take the vaccine?

Who shouldn’t take the vaccine?

How expensive is it?

What are the side effects?

What does it protect against?

(Neisseria Meningitidis bacterial meningitis )

Is it a 100% protection?

Why should you consider it ,even if its not mandatory?

Do you need to take it?

Any precautions after taking the vaccine?

What if there is fever after the vaccination?

Disclaimer: This article has been written as part of an awareness initiative by Blogchatter and reflects the author’s personal views. It is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult 

your doctor for advice specific to your individual health needs.