There are many infections that can do real damage to your body, but some are more prominent and harmful than others. Meningitis is rare, but when it strikes it can wreak havoc on your body and cause severe harm.
What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an extremely rare form of infection that targets membranes. The membranes that are targeted by Meningitis are called meninges and they are located on the brain and spine. The type of Meningitis that you obtain has a direct effect on the outlook, course of treatment and your ability to infect others.
What Causes Meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection that is always either bacterial or viral in form. This means that there are two types of Meningitis classified as Viral Meningitis and Bacterial Meningitis. This infection that targets the membranes on the spine and brain stems from an infection that starts out in another location on the body. The most common origins of bacterial and viral infections include the ears, sinuses and respiratory tract. There is a form of fungal Meningitis, but it is extremely rare and only present in individuals with suppressed immune systems.
What Is Bacterial Meningitis?
This is the most severe form of Meningitis and it causes individuals to become extremely sick. This type of infection must be addressed immediately, because failure to do so can lead to immense brain damage. This type of infection is caused by many different kinds of bacteria that get into the body. This type of Meningitis is highly contagious and it can spread from person to person through contact with a cough or sneeze. This means that anyone exposed to an individual with Bacterial Meningitis should take extreme precautions.
What Is Viral Meningitis?
This is the most common type of Meningitis, but it is also considered to be much less severe and life threatening. This type of infection can be cause by a trigger of some type of virus. Diarrhea is often the most known cause. Most individuals that suffer from viral Meningitis can make a complete recovery and will have no visible damage to the brain.
What Is The Difference?
Both Viral and Bacterial Meningitis are infections, but the severity of each is the main difference. Individuals with Bacterial Meningitis are suffering an infection that can be life threatening and cause permanent brain damage. However, Viral Meningitis is less severe and is the most common type.
