Author’s Bio: Ria Ellendula is an incoming college freshman who is passionate about public health and healthcare policy.
While some types of meningitis are contagious, other types aren’t. For example, Fungal meningitis is not contagious as it mainly affects people with poor immune systems. Parasitic and non-infectious meningitis are not contagious. However, viral and bacterial meningitis can spread through airborne droplets.
This is a more common and less severe form of meningitis. Viruses that can trigger meningitis are known as enteroviruses. Others include herpes, HIV, mumps virus, and West Nile virus.
This is a much less common form of meningitis that usually stems from other problems to the immune system, such as AIDS.
This form is rare and triggered by parasites that usually use animals as hosts. This is why it’s important to be cautious of any animals you consume. Consuming animals like snails, slugs, snakes, fish, or poultry puts you at high risk due to their susceptibility to parasites. This risk also comes with raw or undercooked food; however, it cannot be transmitted to other people.
This form occurs when a certain type of amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, enters the brain. It can enter the brain if you are swimming in areas where the amoeba lives, such as lakes. Although very rare, this form is usually a fatal infection.
This form may be a side-effect of developing diseases such as cancer or lupus. It can also be a byproduct of head injuries, brain surgery, or certain medications. It is not contagious.
This form of meningitis is prolonged and developed over extensive periods of time. It can take place as a result of fungal infections or mycobacteria. These organisms enter the cerebrospinal fluids surrounding the brain and skull to cause meningitis.
While at home, you can cope with symptoms of meningitis by:
Call or Book your online Doctor Visit
Talk to a doctor over the Phone/ Tablet
If needed pick up your medication at the pharmacy