Is your child getting ready to go to campus? Be sure to talk about meningitis!

Your daughter or son has probably passed their high school exams and is now getting ready to go to university, or as we all call it, to campus. These days, a thousand things are probably running through your mind, aren't they? How to manage money, how to get along with new friends, life in a hostel, schoolwork... You probably talk to your child about many things like this. But have you ever talked about the disease called "Meningitis"? Many parents don't even think about this. But doctors say that this is a topic that you definitely need to talk to your child about.

What is Meningitis?

Simply put, meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes that surround our brain and spinal cord. Although there are many causes for this, the one we should be most concerned about is meningitis, which is caused by a type of bacteria. The bacteria that causes this is called "Meningococcus". You may have heard that sometimes this disease has spread in universities abroad and children have died. It is this meningococcus bacteria that is often the cause of those epidemics.

This bacteria doesn't just cause meningitis. Sometimes it can enter the bloodstream directly, spread throughout the body, and damage organs. We call that condition "meningococcemia." Some people can even develop both of these infections at the same time.

Why is this a risk for children going to campus?

According to doctors, this disease is most common among young people between the ages of 15 and 21. Although the exact cause has not yet been found, one thing is clear. That is, this disease spreads in places where a lot of people gather together and are crowded. Think about it, isn't a hostel on a campus a place like that? When several people live in one room, hundreds of children live in one building, how much more likely is it that a germ is transmitted from one person to another?

This disease can be treated with antibiotics. But the problem is that the speed at which this disease spreads is unimaginable. That is why many people do not get treatment in time. Even with treatment, more than one in ten people who develop this disease die. Even if they survive, there are many people who have to live with brain damage, amputations, and other permanent disabilities.

A prime example of the severity of this disease is Francesca Testa, a woman who was struck down by the disease at the age of 17 and narrowly escaped death. "I'm very lucky," she says, but it has taken a long time to fully recover. She still has to live with side effects, such as vision and hearing impairment, and headaches.

Did the child receive the necessary vaccinations?

The best way to protect against this dangerous bacterial meningitis disease is to get vaccinated. But what many parents don't know is that there are two types of vaccines for this.

1. Conjugate Vaccine

This is the vaccine that we usually know and have been using for years. It is also included in the regular vaccination schedule for children. It comes under the brand names ``Menactra or Menveo``. The first dose is usually given at the age of 11-12, and a booster dose is given at the age of 16. This vaccine provides protection against four types of meningococcal bacteria.

2. Serotype B Vaccine (MenB)

This is a vaccine that many people don't know about, but it's also very important. It was introduced in 2014. It protects against "Serotype B" , a very dangerous strain of bacteria that is not covered by the previous vaccine. It is available under the brand names Bexsero or Trumenba. It is recommended for young people between the ages of 16 and 23. It is especially recommended to get it between the ages of 16-18.

This strain, called `Serotype B`, has been responsible for the most severe meningitis outbreaks that have occurred in university settings in recent years.

What are the symptoms of this dangerous disease?

The early symptoms of meningitis are very similar to those of a common cold or the flu, so it can be difficult to tell the difference. However, it is important to be aware of these symptoms as they can become severe within a few hours.

Imagine your child is complaining about feeling unwell while in the hostel. If you are aware of these symptoms at that time, you can figure out if it is just a common cold or something more serious.

Minutes, not hours, are the most important thing in meningitis treatment. So if you suspect your child has any of these symptoms, or if you know that a friend or roommate has the disease, advise your child to go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately .

The importance of a healthy lifestyle

The best way to protect yourself from any infection, not just meningitis, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Teach your child about these things too.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Do not share drinking glasses, cups, cutlery, etc. with other people. This is especially important when staying in hostels.
• Sleep well, stay active, and eat nutritious foods.
• Avoid smoking completely. Smokers have a weakened immune system and are more likely to develop diseases.

If you hear about a meningitis outbreak on your child's campus, don't panic. Tell your child to follow the instructions given by university authorities. Typically, during such times, students who haven't been vaccinated are vaccinated and those who have been in close contact with the sick person are given antibiotics as a precaution.