Can you die from a single kiss? Why yes, yes you can.

Meningitis!!!






We might think that kissing or coughing can have no affect on anyone around us. One of the most common bacterial diseases is transmitted by these two things. Kissing or coughing can lead to the direct infection of a person. The disease I am talking about is Meningitis. It can be very severe and some times can even be fatal.

Meningitis is a disease caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The infection causes the tissues surrounding the brain to swell. When the tissues are infected the flow of blood is interrupted and can result in paralysis or stroke.(Cleveland Clinic) Spinal Meningitis is one of many types of Meningitis (CDC).

The severity of Meningitis varies depending on which of the different forms of the disease you happen to have. You may have the bacterial form, the viral form, the fungal form, or the parasitic form. It is important to go to the doctor to find out which form you have to be properly treated (CDC).

Bacterial Meningitis is the most common form of the disease. About 80% of the cases are acute bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is usually caused by the bacteria in the environment. However the bacteria can be found living in our nose and respiratory system without causing any harm(Cleveland Clinic).

The people that are most at risk for getting bacterial meningitis are children between the ages of one month and two years old, and adults with certain risk factors such as; alcohol abuse, chronic nose and ear infections, weakened immune system, spleen removal, sickle cell disease, brain, head, or spinal injury, and a widespread blood infection(Cleveland Clinic).

The symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis are very similar to those of the flu. It starts with a sudden onset of a fever, headache, and stiff neck. It is also usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and an altered mental status(CDC). In young children fever may cause vomiting, they might become very irritated and cry. Seizures may also occur. The fluid gathering around their brain may make their head swell as well. The onset of symptoms may occur as quickly as 24 hours later, if left untreated bacterial meningitis can be fatal(Cleveland Clinic).

This disease can be diagnosed by the doctor looking for a purple or red rash on the skin. He or she will also check your neck for stiffness and will examine knee and hip flexion. In addition the doctor will have to decide whether you have bacterial, fungal, or viral meningitis. To do this he or she will analyze your spinal fluid by means of a spinal tap procedure. The doctor may also order tests to check your blood, urine, and the mucus from your nose and throat(Cleveland Clinic).

Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe a general intravenous antibiotic with a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation even before all the test results are in. When the specific bacteria are identified, your doctor may decide to change antibiotics. It will also be important to replenish fluids lost from sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite(Cleveland Clinic).

This disease can be transmitted by the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions usually by kissing or coughing(CDC).