Dispelling the Top 10 Meningitis Myths Grosse Pointe MI

You've probably read the tragic news stories about the college kid or the young athlete who died from meningitis. Or you've heard the rumors about how you can catch it by kissing someone. But how much do you really know about the disease? Get the truth behind the top 10 meningitis myths.

Myth 1: There is only one type of meningitis.

Reality:

Meningitis is caused most commonly by a virus. Bacterial meningitis is more serious because it can be deadly if not treated soon enough. On very rare occasions, the disease is caused by a fungus. Meningitis is sometimes called spinal meningitis, regardless of the cause.

Myth 2: You can only get meningitis by kissing someone who has it.

Reality:

Although kissing is one way to spread the disease and kissing multiple partners will greatly increase your risk of contracting meningitis, it can be spread in other ways, such as by drinking out of the same glass, coughing, or sharing items like lipstick or cigarettes.

Myth 3: Only teenagers and college students are at risk of contracting meningitis.

Reality:

Anyone can get meningitis. College students who live in dorms or group housing are at higher risk because of close contact and increased likelihood of sharing items, like drinking glasses and utensils, that could spread the disease. Before the introduction of the vaccine, meningitis posed a serious threat for young children...

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