Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by several different types of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Bacterial meningitis can be very dangerous, and it can even be fatal if not treated promptly. However, there are a number of things that you can do to help prevent yourself from getting bacterial meningitis.
One of the most important things you can do is to get vaccinated against the bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis. There are several different vaccines available, and they are all very effective at preventing the disease. Children should get the first dose of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine at 2 months of age, and the second dose at 4 months of age. They should also get a booster dose at 12 months of age. The pneumococcal vaccine is given in a series of four shots, starting at 2 months of age. The meningococcal vaccine is given in two doses, starting at 11 or 12 years of age.
