Healthy Habits: Meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis, although rare, can be deadly. In fact, it can potentially kill an otherwise healthy teen in less than 24 hours. A national survey found moms are unaware of the seriousness of the disease and how to best protect their teens from contracting it. 

Meningococcal disease, which includes meningitis, is a serious bacterial infection of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and meningococcemia, a severe blood infection. During its early stages, meningococcal disease can be mistaken for the flu or other common viral illnesses, but unlike a common viral infection, meningococcal meningitis can progress very rapidly. 

Teens and young adults are at greater risk for the disease because common everyday activities, such as kissing, sharing utensils and water bottles, living in close quarters such as a dormitory or sleep-away summer camp could put them at risk of exposure to the germs. 

That is why Dara Torres, mom and 12-time Olympic medalist, is teaming up with Carolina Sandoval of the National Association of School Nurses to share the results of the Moms on Meningitis Survey (MOMS). The survey is part of Voices of Meningitis, an initiative from the National Association of School Nurses and Sanofi Pasteur. Voices of Meningitis is aimed at educating and motivating parents to speak with their teen’s health care provider about meningococcal meningitis vaccination, which can help protect teens from the disease. 

I have the chance to share an interview with Dara Torres.