Q: I've read articles about meningitis being a health problem on college campuses. Is there a vaccine or something my student should be doing to protect himself?

A: The following answers to commonly asked questions should answer your question.

What is meningitis?
Meningitis (sometimes referred to as spinal meningitis) is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and resolves without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability.

What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?
High fever, headache, and stiff neck are common symptoms of meningitis in anyone over the age of 2 years. These symptoms can develop over several hours, or they may take one to two days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, discomfort looking into bright lights, confusion, and sleepiness. As the disease progresses, patients of any age may have seizures.

How is meningitis diagnosed?
Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. If symptoms occur, the patient should see a doctor immediately. A diagnosis is usually made by growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid. The spinal fluid is obtained by performing a spinal tap. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible is important in order to select the correct antibiotics.

Can meningitis be treated?
Bacterial meningitis can be treated with a number of effective antibiotics. It is important, however, that treatment be started early. Appropriate antibiotic treatment of most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15 percent, although the risk is higher among the elderly.

Is meningitis contagious?
Yes, some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e., coughing, kissing). Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as things like the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been.

Are there vaccines against meningitis?
Yes, there are vaccines against some strains of meningitis. Approximately 70 percent of the strains found in college students are vaccine preventable.

Are college students at greater risk than the rest of the population?
In general, no. The risk for college students contracting meningitis is the same as it is for other people their age. A few studies have suggested that students living in residence halls are at a slightly higher risk of contracting meningitis. Other risk factors include anything that can depress or compromise a person's immune system. Lack of sleep, stress, and alcohol and tobacco use can all contribute to increased risk.

Should college students be vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that colleges make the vaccine available for those who would like it. Boynton Health Service carries the vaccine. See their Web site for more information.