How Do You Catch Meningitis? How Do You Get Bacterial Meningitis?

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The most common symptoms are fever, headache and neck stiffness.

Other symptoms include confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises. Young children often exhibit only nonspecific symptoms, such as irritability, drowsiness, or poor feeding.

How Do You 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.

Those steps can help prevent meningitis: Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing helps prevent the spread of germs.

How Do You Get Bacterial Meningitis?

Bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord cause acute bacterial meningitis. But it can also occur when bacteria directly invade the meninges. This may be caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or rarely some surgeries.