What Is Meningitis? Symptoms, Vaccination Schedule, And Meningitis Vaccination In Adults

Meningitis is a serious infectious disease caused by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. This inflammation is generally caused by bacteria, viruses, or, more rarely, fungi and parasites. The most common forms are bacterial and viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis requires emergency treatment, while viral meningitis may follow a milder course.

Meningitis can occur in any age group. However, children between the ages of 0 and 5, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

What Are The Types Of Meningitis?

Meningitis is classified according to its cause:

Bacterial Meningitis: This is the most dangerous form. It is caused by bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). It can be fatal if not treated early.

Viral Meningitis: This usually follows a milder course and is most commonly caused by enteroviruses. Supportive treatment is generally sufficient.

Fungal Meningitis: This is seen in people with weakened or suppressed immune systems.

Parasitic And Non-Infectious Meningitis: These are less common types of meningitis.

Meningitis Symptoms By Age

Meningitis symptoms may differ according to age and the type of infection. General symptoms include:

• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion
• Seizures

Different symptoms may be observed in babies:

• Persistent irritability
• Difficulty sucking or feeding
• A bulging fontanelle
• Reduced muscle tone

How Is Meningitis Diagnosed?

The most important steps in diagnosis include:

• Clinical examination and symptom assessment
• Blood tests
• Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture
• CT or MRI imaging

In bacterial meningitis, the cerebrospinal fluid sample generally shows a high white blood cell count, low glucose levels, and high protein levels.

How Is Meningitis Treated?

Bacterial Meningitis: Intravenous antibiotic treatment is administered in the hospital. Intensive care support may be provided when necessary.

Viral Meningitis: It usually does not require specific treatment. Recovery may be supported with rest and adequate fluid intake.

Fungal Meningitis: It is treated with antifungal medicines.

Preventing Meningitis: Vaccination

Vaccines are among the most effective methods of protection against meningitis. Vaccines administered in Türkiye include:

• MenACWY vaccines, including Menactra and Nimenrix
• MenB vaccines, including Bexsero and Trumenba
• Hib vaccine
• Conjugate pneumococcal vaccines, including PCV13 and PPSV23

Meningitis Vaccination Schedule In Türkiye

Hib: Administered at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months.

Conjugate Pneumococcal Vaccine: Administered at 2, 4, and 12 months.

MenACWY: Two doses are recommended between 9 months and 2 years of age, while a single dose is recommended for people over the age of 2.

MenB: Administered in two or three doses starting from 2 months of age, depending on the vaccine brand.

MenACWY and MenB vaccines are not currently included in the mandatory routine vaccination schedule. These vaccines may be administered voluntarily at healthcare institutions.

Why Are Booster Doses Necessary?

The protection provided by some vaccines may decrease over time. For this reason:

• People vaccinated during early childhood should receive a booster dose after 10 years.
• Adults in high-risk groups, such as people with immune deficiencies, those living in shared accommodation such as dormitories, and frequent travellers, are advised to repeat their vaccinations at regular intervals.

Should Adults Receive The Meningitis Vaccine?

Definitely yes. Meningitis can cause serious health problems not only during childhood but also in adulthood. Meningitis vaccination is particularly recommended as a preventive measure for adults in high-risk groups.

Conclusion: Stay Informed And Protected Against Meningitis

Meningitis is a rapidly progressing disease that can lead to serious consequences. However, it can largely be prevented through early diagnosis and appropriate vaccination. Strong immunity in children can be supported through regular health monitoring and vaccination. Although some meningitis vaccines are not included in Türkiye’s routine vaccination schedule, informed decisions by parents may provide children with additional protection.

Online Paediatrics Consultation With Happ Health

With our “Health Everywhere, for Everyone, Always” approach, we believe that families should have easy access to accurate information and specialist assessment throughout their children’s healthcare journey.

Through Happ Health, you can arrange an Online Paediatrics Consultation to discuss your child’s meningitis vaccines, vaccination schedule, booster doses, and individual risk factors. The doctor can review your child’s age, medical history, previous vaccinations, and specific risk factors and provide appropriate guidance.

Do not wait for an online consultation if your child develops high fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, altered consciousness, seizures, a purple rash, a bulging fontanelle, or significant feeding difficulties. Seek emergency medical care immediately.