# Meningitis questions **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 20, 2003, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meningitis-questions/202794 "2003-09-20T12:39:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Essured](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Essured](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Essured)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2003, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meningitis-questions/202794/1 "2003-09-20T12:39:41Z")
I’ve been googling about meningitis and am extremely confused. I would appreciate it if someone who is knowledgable about the topic could spare a few moments to answer a few questions about the disease. What is it ? I’ve been reading it’s viral, it’s bacterial, it’s flu-like, it can cause death, scarring, necessitate amputation, etc. Is it caused by a bacteria or a virus ? What are the ‘risk factors’ of contracting it ? What sort of vaccines are available (i.e, live) ? What are the stats concerning vaccine side effects ? Is the vaccine a good thing for all, or only recommended for certain groups ? I have been offered the vaccine (Meningococcal C, specifically) free of charge, and want to know a bit about it first. Hopefully the info I get from here will provide a good jumping-off point for further research. Thanks, in advance. ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2003, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meningitis-questions/202794/2 "2003-09-20T13:27:04Z")
[This site](http://www.meningitis.org/) looks pretty good, **Goo**. Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain lining and around the spinal cord. The inflammation has either bacterial, viral or even fungal causes. This about those who shouldn’t have the Men C vaccination: > [@](#): > > People who have had a severe reaction to the plain polysaccharide meningococcal vaccine or to Hib, diphtheria or tetanus vaccines should not have Men C. Vaccination should be postponed in anyone who is ill with a high fever. It has not been tested in pregnant women, and although there is no evidence to suggest it is not safe during pregnancy, women who think they might be pregnant should speak to their doctor or nurse about it. This is also the case for mothers who are breast-feeding. You should find your info at that site. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2003, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meningitis-questions/202794/3 "2003-09-20T14:12:48Z")
I had spinal meningitis as an infant. My parents took me to Baolboa Navy Hospital and the doctor basically said, “We’re taking him. Now.” I understand they gave me a spinal tap. I’m told I could have died. Having had spinal meningitis, am I now “immune” from it? That is, will my immune system protect me from another infection even these decades later? ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2003, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meningitis-questions/202794/4 "2003-09-20T18:34:14Z")
Meningitis can be caused by a bacteria, fungus or virus. Risk factors include unhygenic conditions, living in college dorms or military bases (or other crowded conditions), being young and not getting the HiB vaccine, travel to certain places, work. Vaccine side effects thus far have been minor things like local reactions and headaches. Do a google search for CDC meningitis vaccine complications. As meningitis has many causes - RSV virus, mycoplasma fungi, bacteria such as E.coli, anaerobes, S.pneumonia, Chlamydia, H.flu, etc. getting a vaccine (or contracting meningitis) only protects you from specific types (or the type you had; and you could still get it again anyway since many subtypes exist). I’d get the vaccine if you are travelling, under two, in the military or are near an outbreak. I don;t know your situation. I have occupational risk exposure Meningitis can be deadly, and VERY DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE. ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2003, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meningitis-questions/202794/5 "2003-09-20T19:10:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\*Having had spinal meningitis, am I now “immune” from it? That is, will my immune system protect me from another infection even these decades later? \*\* In a word, no. If your meningitis was viral in origin, you might still have some immunity to that particular virus, assuming it hasn’t mutated. You would NOT, however, be immune to the other viruses, bacteria, or fungi that can cause inflammation of the meninges.