Lung microbiome: new insights into the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases

Is Meningitis Contagious And How Do You Catch It?

Meningitis can be contagious, and people with weak immune systems are especially vulnerable. Some types of meningitis are not contagious (spread from person to person). Meningitis is an inflammation or infection of the meninges, the protective layers of tissue between the brain and the skull.

You can take general precautions to lower your risk of developing contagious or noncontagious types of meningitis. If you might be exposed to someone who has meningitis or if you have a weak immune system, you can follow some additional safety tips.

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When Is Meningitis Contagious? Though meningitis isn't common, it isn't rare either, and it has different types and causes. Some germs that cause infectious meningitis are contagious, meaning they can spread from one person to another. However, several types of infectious and noninfectious meningitis don't spread from person to person. Contagious meningitis infections include:  Meningococcal meningitis: The bacteria Neisseria meningitidis causes meningococcal infection. This type is often reported among groups living in shared spaces, such as college dorms. It is generally spread by sharing saliva or spit and requires close contact. The meningococcal vaccine is recommended for all preteens, teens, and other children and adults who are at an increased risk. Viral meningitis: Many viruses that typically cause other illnesses can sometimes invade the meninges and cause meningitis. The most common are non-polio enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, and arboviruses. It may also be caused by influenza viruses, measles virus, varicella-zoster (which causes chickenpox), and mumps virus, which are preventable by vaccines. Tuberculosis meningitis: A new or previous tuberculosis infection may lead to meningitis, and this bacteria is contagious. Other bacterial meningitis: Other common bacterial infections can cause meningitis, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, group B Streptococcus, and others. Vaccines are available for some of these bacterial agents. Meningococcal Meningitis Contagious Period People infected with N. Meningitidis may be contagious (able to transmit the illness to others) in the seven days before they display any symptoms. They can no longer transmit the infection 24 hours after effective antibiotic therapy. The incubation period (time between exposure and displaying symptoms) is typically three to four days, with a range of one to 10 days. Symptoms include: Sudden high fever Stiff neck Confusion, lethargy Nausea, vomiting Rash

Most germs that cause meningitis can also cause non-meningitis illnesses. You can get meningitis even from exposure to someone who had other effects of an infection, and you might experience other effects of an infection even if the person you caught it from had meningitis.

Meningitis that isn't contagious (transmitted from human to human) includes these types: 

Postsurgical meningitis: Meningitis can sometimes develop after brain or spine surgery if the meninges become contaminated during the procedure.

Medication-induced meningitis: Certain medications can cause inflammation of the meninges. 

Autoimmune meningitis: Many autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, can cause immune-mediated inflammation of the meninges. 

Lyme disease: If you become infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium that is transmitted through a tick bite, you can develop Lyme disease. Meningitis is a rare complication of this condition.

Fungal meningitis: Sometimes, fungal infections can spread throughout the body, including the meninges. The fungi that cause this type of infection, such as Cryptococcus neoformans, are not usually dangerous for healthy people but may harm people with weak immune systems.

Parasitic meningitis: Parasites are small, multicellular organisms that can be transmitted through animals or food. When they enter the body, they may lodge in the meninges, causing inflammation and symptoms of meningitis.

Who Is More at Risk to Catch Meningitis?  Anyone can develop an infectious form of meningitis. Still, this type of infection is more likely to affect people with weak immune systems or those who have not been vaccinated against the common germs that cause meningitis. People who are at a higher risk of meningitis include: Very young babies who have not yet developed a strong immune system Older adults who have a weak immune system People who are medically treated with chemotherapy or immune suppression Individuals who have not been vaccinated It's also important to note that even if you have been vaccinated, a weakened immune system can decrease the vaccine immunity you developed when you had a healthy immune system. How Does Meningitis Spread? Different bacteria, viruses, and other microbes spread in different ways. These include: From person to person: Touch or airborne droplets (produced by coughing, sneezing, talking, eating, etc.) can transmit viruses and bacteria that can cause meningitis. Transmission can occur through personal contact—such as hugging, kissing, sharing a bed, sharing utensils, or touching objects that have germs on them. From animals or food: Some germs that have the potential to cause meningitis are transmitted through animals or food and not from person to person. From germs normally present in or on your body: Some germs that could cause meningitis are considered "normal flora," meaning they are present on or in your body without causing illness. In normal circumstances, they live in balance with other microbes and are kept from developing an infection by the immune system. In special circumstances, these may overgrow or spread to body areas where they can cause an infection. When exposed, the body may fight off the germ, or the germ may infect the throat, lungs, stomach, intestines, ears, or nervous system. According to one survey, cause groups were: Viral: 62.1% Unknown: 24.1% Bacterial: 14.1% Noninfectious: 3.5% Fungal: 2.7% Spread of Viral Meningitis Non-polio enteroviruses are the most common cause of meningitis, accounting for 51.6% of cases. Nasal secretions and feces spread these viruses, but they do not cause meningitis in most people who contract them. How to Minimize Spreading Infection You can minimize the spread of meningitis. A first step you can take is to get all recommended vaccinations and boosters so you don't acquire the germs and spread them to others. Vaccines are available for these viruses and bacteria that may cause meningitis: If you think you might be at risk of exposure, you should: Wash your hands before touching your face, eyes, mouth, or nose. Do not share utensils, bedding, towels, or other items with someone who has an infection. Try to maintain a strong immune system by getting enough rest and eating well-balanced meals. Get immunizations as recommended, including childhood and adult immunizations and boosters. Also, check for recommended immunizations if you plan to travel to an area that will expose you to different germs than usual. If you or someone in your household has meningitis, you can take care of your loved one, but you also need to stay safe: Discuss appropriate precautions based on their type of meningitis with a healthcare provider. Consider wearing disposable gloves when handling their laundry or bedding. Consider wearing a mask, even when you are at home, if you will be exposed to someone who has meningitis. Preventing Meningitis if You Have a Weak Immune System If your immune system is weak due to illness or immunosuppressive medication, avoiding germs is important. Things you can do include: Frequent handwashing, especially after touching other people or objects that others have touched Avoiding undercooked or uncooked food Staying away from animals in a petting zoo or farm Avoiding crowds and wearing a mask when you go out Calling a healthcare provider whenever you start to feel sick Getting all recommended vaccines and boosters Summary Some types of meningitis are contagious, but there are things you can do to help protect yourself. If you have a healthy immune system, avoid close contact with anyone who has meningitis or even anyone who has a contagious infection of any kind. Getting your recommended vaccinations, eating healthy, and getting enough rest are all important strategies for helping your immune system fight off harmful germs that can cause infection. If you have a weak immune system, you may want to stay away from crowded places, wear a face mask if you can't, wash your hands, and sanitize clothes or surfaces that could be contaminated. Meningitis can be dangerous, so taking precautions for yourself and your family is important. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About bacterial meningitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal vaccination. Hasbun R, Rosenthal N, Balada-Llasat JM, et al. Epidemiology of meningitis and encephalitis in the United States from 2011–2014. Clin Infect Dis. 2017;65(3):359-363. Doi:10.1093/cid/cix319 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About viral meningitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical care and treatment of neurologic Lyme disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About fungal meningitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About parasitic meningitis. World Health Organization. Meningitis. By Heidi Moawad, MDDr. Moawad is a neurologist and expert in brain health. She regularly writes and edits health content for medical books and publications. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error

What Is The Difference Between Viral Fever And Bacterial Infection? Know From Doctor How Their Symptoms Vary

People often make mistakes in differentiating between viral fever and fever caused by bacterial infection. Due to cold weather, changing seasons, and weak immunity, adults and children can fall prey to fever. The symptoms of viral fever and bacterial infection may seem quite common to you. But there is a lot of difference between the two. Let us know from the doctor what the difference is between viral fever and bacterial infection.

When we talked to Dr Ravi Gupta, Child Specialist, Noida, about this, he told us that viral fever and bacterial infection are quite different, and the treatment for both is also different. Know how?

Difference between viral fever and bacterial infection: What is viral fever?

Viral fever comes for a short time.

Cold and cough may or may not occur in viral infection.

Viral fever may resolve on its own without any tests.

Viral fever spreads quickly to those you come in contact with.

Antibiotics are not required in the case of viral fever.

Cold weather and weak immunity are considered to be major reasons for viral

However, some viral fevers can also be dangerous. These include swine flu, COVID, and dengue.

What is a bacterial infection?

Bacterial infection lasts much longer than viral fever.

It includes systemic symptoms and symptoms related to a specific organ, such as sore throat, chest pain, jaundice, burning sensation while urinating, blood in stool, etc.

It is necessary to get tests done to check for bacterial infection, and antibiotics are given for this.

Bacterial infection does not spread very quickly; its chances of spreading are very low.

After examination, specific antibiotics are required.

Most bacterial infections can occur by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, coming in close contact with an infected person, or not getting vaccinated.

Common bacterial infections include tonsillitis, typhoid fever, urine infections, UTIs, etc.

(This article is for general information; please consult a doctor before adopting any remedy.) 

ALSO READ: Human bird flu case confirmed in California; CDC urges faster testing

How Long Is The Flu Contagious? How Long Are You Contagious With COVID Or RSV?

Flu: symptoms and how long it is contagious

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory virus. It can be a severe illness that affects the nose, throat and sometimes lungs.

Symptoms of influenza are sore throat, cough, congestion, headaches and body aches. Fever is also a common symptom, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said not everyone with the flu will have a fever.

Those infected with the flu are most contagious during the first three days, the CDC said. In some cases, however, people can spread the flu even before experiencing symptoms or up to five to seven days after they appear. Young people and those with weaker immune systems can experience symptoms for a longer period.

The flu can spread through tiny droplets when patients sneeze, cough or talk. People can also come in contact with the flu by touching a surface with the virus on it, although that is less common.

The CDC recommends frequent hand-washing, other basic hygiene practices and annual vaccinations to fight the ailment.

Norovirus: symptoms and how long it is contagious

The U.S. Is experiencing one of its worst norovirus season in a long time. Cases for the 2024-2025 season are reaching highs that surpass the range that has been typical since 2012.

Norovirus is a contagious stomach bug that the CDC says causes vomiting and diarrhea.

The sickness lasts for one to three days, but people can still spread the virus a few days after becoming ill. Those infected can be contagious for up to two weeks, or longer in some cases.

Virus's are ramping up this winter season: Influenza A, COVID-19, RSV and the Norovirus cases have struck many states.

Symptoms usually develop starting at 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Along with vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms include nausea, headache and body pains. Norovirus can often lead to dehydration.

Direct contact, eating contaminated food and touching contaminated surfaces are ways the virus spreads.

The CDC recommends staying home for two days after symptoms stop. Preventive steps include cooking food thoroughly, disinfecting areas and frequent hand-washing.

RSV: symptoms and how long it is contagious

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is another respiratory illness.

The CDC said the symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the flu or COVID. They include a cough, congestion, sneezing, fever and loss of appetite. Symptoms typically show up within four to six days after infection, the CDC said.

The agency said the illness usually goes away on its own and normally can be handled with over-the-counter medication.

RSV is usually contagious for three to eight days. A patient also may be contagious a day or two before experiencing symptoms, the CDC said. Infants and those with weakened immune systems, however, can pass on RSV for up to four weeks or longer.

The illness can spread through direct contact, touching a contaminated surface, or a cough or sneeze.

Elderly people, infants and those with underlying health conditions or weak immune systems may face higher risk, as RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, the CDC said.

COVID: symptoms and how long it is contagious

COVID is familiar to most, having started about five years ago and caused a pandemic, killing millions around the world.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe and are similar to those of the flu, with the additions of a loss of taste or smell and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting. Symptoms may come two to 14 days after exposure.

The main difference between COVID and the flu is that they are caused by different viruses. Nucleic acid amplification tests can help distinguish between the two types of respiratory illnesses.

Doctors recommend staying home and isolating for five days after testing positive for COVID.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.Com: Flu symptoms and how long it's contagious along with other diseases

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