Among young adults ages 18 to 24, college students are more than three times as likely to be infected with meningococcal disease serogroup B , researchers found. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to severe swelling in the brain and spinal cord.
Do college kids get meningitis?
Recent data show that the risk for meningococcal disease in college students is slightly higher than the risk in other teens and young adults who are not attending college. Many states require colleges to provide information on risks of meningococcal disease to incoming students or students residing on campus.
How do you get meningitis in college?
Essentially, meningitis is more common in college students because of the nature of the setting. The young adults can’t escape large groups of people with constant close contact and proximity. Meningitis infection requires shared respiratory and throat secretions .
Do colleges require meningitis?
MenB is more common among those 16-23 and is 5+ times more likely in college students. Yet few colleges are requiring the Meningitis B vaccine. There are 5,300 colleges and universities, and more than 30,000 high schools in the United States. We only know of 42 schools currently requiring Meningitis B vaccination.
How did I catch meningitis?
Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils , a toothbrush or a cigarette. These steps can help prevent meningitis: Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs.
What percentage of college students get meningitis?
These cases represent approximately 3% of the total cases of meningococcal disease that occur each year in the United States. Eighty-seven (97%) cases occurred in undergraduate students, and 40 (44%) occurred among the 2.27 million freshman students entering college each year (16).
Why are college students more at risk for meningitis?
Essentially, meningitis is more common in college students because of the nature of the setting . The young adults can’t escape large groups of people with constant close contact and proximity. Meningitis infection requires shared respiratory and throat secretions.
How common is bacterial meningitis?
How common is bacterial meningitis? Approximately 3,000 people in the United States — or one in 100,000 — are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis each year, most of them infants, children, college students and the elderly. Incidences of bacterial meningitis usually peak in the winter or early spring.
How long does Meningitis vaccine last?
Meningitis vaccines are thought to only last for about five years , according to the Center for Young Women’s Health. Adults can also get the meningitis vaccine if their doctors recommend it. Certain situations can warrant the use of meningitis vaccinations.
Why do you need a meningitis shot for college?
Meningitis immunization is invaluable for any student, especially those living in a dormitory. Vaccines that help protect against all three strains of viral meningitis are available in the U.S. If you’ve already received a meningitis vaccination, the CDC recommends receiving a booster shot before going to college.
Is the meningitis shot mandatory?
Teens and young adults have higher odds of getting meningitis, so many schools now require the vaccine at some point in grades 7-12 . Many colleges and the military do, too, since living in close quarters like dorms and barracks can also raise your chance of getting it.
What is the fatality rate of meningitis?
Even when the disease is diagnosed early and adequate treatment is started, 8% to 15% of patients die , often within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. If untreated, meningococcal meningitis is fatal in 50% of cases and may result in brain damage, hearing loss or disability in 10% to 20% of survivors.
How much do meningitis shots cost?
Typical costs: For patients not covered by health insurance, a meningococcal meningitis vaccine typically costs $100 to $150 for the single required shot. For example, at CVS Pharmacy’s Minute Clinics[1] , a meningitis shot costs $159-205 depending on which shot is given.
How long can you have meningitis without knowing?
The first symptoms of viral meningitis typically appear between 3 to 7 days after being exposed to the infection. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis appear and progress quickly – bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous type of meningitis, and the infection progresses the fastest.
What do meningitis spots look like?
In babies and adults, a meningitis rash may look like the following: tiny red, pink, brown, or purple pinprick marks (petechiae) on the skin. purple bruise-like marks. blotchy-appearing areas of skin.
Does meningitis go away by itself?
Viral meningitis will usually get better on its own and rarely causes any long-term problems. Most people with bacterial meningitis who are treated quickly will also make a full recovery, although some are left with serious long-term problems.
