A serious health condition that is caused by several germs such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria is Meningitis, and it causes inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The infection caused by meningitis may lead to the infection of the blood, a condition known as septicemia.

Types of meningitis
Bacterial meningitis and its associated sepsis have become less common at present, however, it is a life-threatening condition. Though people across age groups can be affected, children and teenagers are at the maximum risk of meningococcal meningitis. Viral meningitis is less serious than the ones caused by bacteria.

It is important to collect information on meningitis to steer clear of the disease.

Meningitis vaccines
Many institutions need their students to get the meningococcal vaccine since this disease can become life-threatening within a short span of time. Some of the most common types of meningitis vaccines include Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine or MPSV4, Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine or MCV4 and Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine can prevent meningococcal disease which accounts for 70 percent of meningitis in the United States of America. MPSV4 and MCV4 are generally given to people aged below 55 and younger. The recommendation for teens is, to give one dose at 11 years and another dose at the age of 16.

Recommendations from CDC
The CDC recommends the meningitis vaccine for all children aged between 11 and 18 and at times younger high-risk children. It is also given to anyone who has been exposed to the disease during an outbreak, as well as for military recruits.

Side effects of the vaccines
Information on Meningitis shows that the vaccines may cause some side effects such as breathing trouble, hoarseness, paleness, weakness, and a rising heartbeat, though, in most people, the side effects are temporary. On the other hand, some people should refrain from getting the meningococcal vaccine. In case you have been suffering from severe and life-threatening allergic reactions to such vaccines in the past or have been severely ill, then you should not get the vaccine. Referring to various resources with information on meningitis it has been found that, pregnant women can also get the meningococcal vaccine, but it is generally given to those who have been affected by the disease.

In conclusion, meningitis is a serious health condition that needs medical care at the earliest to avoid complications.