8 measures to prevent meningitis in children

Meningitis is one of the diseases that has most concerned parents because not detecting it in time can have a tragic outcome. It is an inflammation of the meninges, membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. It is produced by the migration of viruses from other parts of the body, from another type of infection that the child may have had before. This disease is more frequent in children, appearing in them in 80% of cases . If it is not stopped in time, it can produce harsh consequences or even lead to the death of the child.

Why does meningitis occur?

The meninges are three membranes that surround the brain with the function of avoiding all kinds of microorganisms that want to access it, they also form the cerebrospinal fluid, with the same function. Sometimes an infection in another area of ​​the body, such as a severe cut or injury, most often the face. It can also occur as a result of contagion with another child. Viruses can migrate or make their way from the pharynx, then pass into the blood and reach the cerebrospinal fluid or membranes through the bloodstream.

As is more common in young children, we leave you with a series of prevention measures.

1. BREASTFEED IF YOU CAN

You can protect your child from meningitis right from the start. Children who are breastfed as babies are less likely to suffer infections in the future because through breast milk the mother provides the first antibodies to her children , their immune system will be strengthened from the first moment.

2. MAKE SURE SHE GETS ALL THE SHOTS

Before, medicine was not so advanced and meningitis was more frequent, however, now thanks to vaccines its prevention is simple. There are several types of vaccines depending on the type of virus that causes meningitis (there can be several). At birth, the child is provided with a free vaccination schedule , it includes vaccines against Haemphilus influenzae type B, Pneumococcus and Meningococcus C. However, despite the fact that the child is vaccinated, he can still get sick if the meningitis is caused by viruses other than these. For example, Meningocco B is a type of virus for which there is no free vaccine, but it also causes meningitis. In Spain the vaccine against himIt is not covered by social security so if you want your child to be protected against this specific virus you will have to pay for it .

3. CHECK HYGIENE

At home it is essential that kitchen utensils or anything that is frequently in contact with our child such as toys are washed well. If you are a little older we can explain the importance of washing your hands before eating or touching your face to avoid contagion. Unfortunately, we cannot control everything that happens in other places where we are not but our son is (day care centers, school …), in these places the chances of contagion increase because he is in direct contact with other children. The idea is that in these places glasses, towels, cutlery, pacifiers or anything that can be put in the mouth are not shared.As soon as the children go to school, you can talk with them and explain the basic prevention measures. Thus, to avoid contagion, you must wash your hands before eating, after playing with the house pet , do not share the glass with other children, cover your nose with a handkerchief if you are going to sneeze, etc. However, you should not alarm the child, at these ages they are very influential and you can scare them and create hobbies , we do not want them to become obsessed with the subject.

4. KEEP THE HOUSE WELL VENTILATED

Hot, crowded environments are the perfect breeding ground for disease transmission. Especially in summer, avoid children spending a long time in hot spaces with little ventilation.

5. AVOID KISSES WHEN GREETING

One of the main routes of infection is through mucous membranes such as saliva or mucus . Therefore, although it is a beautiful custom, the truth is that children are vulnerable to this type of greeting and a contagion is easier than for adults. We have a more developed immune system because we have faced more viruses throughout our lives, therefore it is more difficult to become infected. However, young children still have undeveloped systems so prevention is better than cure.

6. EAT A GOOD DIET

A balanced diet helps prevent all kinds of diseases, but especially infections. Make sure that at home you eat all kinds of food , white meats, legumes, fruits and vegetables … Industrial pastries, excessively fatty meats and in general all kinds of ultra-processed foods are dispensable and should be taken only on time.

7. REST IS ESSENTIAL

In order to strengthen the immune system we also have to provide children with adequate rest of at least 8-10 hours a day , although the amount will depend on the physiological needs of the child according to their age and other factors. The important thing is not so much the time but that you notice that you are rested during the day.

8. RESPOND TO THE FIRST SYMPTOMS

You need to learn to quickly identify the first symptoms of meningitis in order to treat it in time. It is very easy to confuse with a common cold because the first symptoms are similar, however, if it is not detected in time , sepsis can occur , that is, the spread of the disease. The first symptoms are headache and fever, it is not worrisome in principle, that is, if they are accompanied by stiff neck, petechial rash (purplish spots on the skin as a result of the blood vessels that break) and vomitinggo quickly to the doctor. Unfortunately, these symptoms do not appear until at least 15 hours have passed, but if you suspect that your child may have been in contact with other children who have suffered from this disease, do not hesitate and leave doubts.