How to protect yourself from meningitis? Let's be aware of this!

You've probably heard of meningitis, or what we sometimes call 'brain fever.' It's a serious condition that causes the protective covering around our brain and spinal cord to swell. It's normal to feel a little scared when you hear the name. But the best part is that there are many things we can do to protect ourselves from this disease. Simple things like getting vaccinated and washing our hands can greatly reduce the risk of us and our families getting this disease. So let's see how that works.

The main types of vaccines that prevent meningitis

The best and most effective way to protect against meningitis is to get the meningococcal vaccine. There are several types of these vaccines. These can prevent about 70% of cases of illness caused by the meningococcal bacteria. On average, nine out of ten people who get the vaccine are well protected.

Below are the main types of vaccines and a simple description of them.

People at special risk who should get vaccinated

In addition to routine childhood vaccinations, doctors also recommend that people with certain risk factors get this vaccine. These include:

• People who think they have been in close contact with a meningitis patient: Because there is a high risk of contracting the disease.
• First-year students living in university dormitories: The risk of the disease spreading is high because many people live together.
• Those undergoing military training: Due to living close together in camps.
• People traveling to countries where meningitis is common (e.g. African countries).
• People who have had their spleen removed or whose spleen is not functioning properly: Because the spleen is an important organ in our immune system.
• People with specific weaknesses in the immune system: For example, those with conditions such as ``terminal complement component deficiency''.
• People who work in laboratories and are frequently exposed to meningococcal bacteria.

Keep these things in mind before getting vaccinated.

If you are very sick on the day of your vaccination, such as if you have a fever, cough, or a severe cold, wait until you are completely recovered before getting the vaccine. Also, you should avoid getting this vaccine if you have the following conditions:

• If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine.
• If you have a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine.

You may experience some mild pain and redness at the injection site. This is normal. However, if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as high fever, feeling unwell, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) .

Another important vaccine that prevents meningitis

Meningitis can also occur as a complication of other diseases. Therefore, we can indirectly protect ourselves from meningitis by getting the vaccines that prevent these basic diseases. Many of these vaccines are included in the national vaccination program given to children in our country.

Other precautions that can be taken in addition to vaccinations

While vaccinations are our main defense, there are also some simple habits we can follow in our daily lives that can protect us from not only meningitis, but many other infectious diseases.

Meningitis can spread from one person to another through sneezing, coughing, kissing, and sharing items such as dishes, cutlery, and toothbrushes that have been used by the patient .

If you have been in close contact with someone with meningitis, talk to your doctor immediately . Depending on the type of meningitis the patient has, your doctor may recommend that you also take antibiotics as a precaution. So don't be afraid, and if in doubt, seek medical advice.