Avoid Getting Meningitis By Following These 10 Tips

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, or membranes around the brain and spinal cord and is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The condition is a transferable disease spread through contact with saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus of someone who is infected. Kissing and sharing items with someone who has meningitis is a particular was of becoming infected, and there are some simple prevention tips to keep it from spreading.

Wash Your Hands

Like most viral infections, such as the common cold, one of the best things to do is always make it a practice of washing hands to prevent germs. The most critical times are before eating, after going to the bathroom, after using public facilities or things like shopping carts, and after petting animals. A rule of thumb is to lather well with soap and scrub hands for at least twenty seconds before rinsing.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Everyone should use his or her personal hygiene items at the best of times, but because meningitis can be spread through saliva, toothbrushes and a tube of toothpaste should never be shared with someone who is infected. Other items to be kept to oneself include drinking glasses, straws, eating utensils, lipsticks and lip balms, and cigarettes. Never drink from the same pop, water bottle, or travel mug as an infected person.