Child Has a Fever: Is It Meningitis?

Your child has a fever, and you’re not sure what to do. Should you take him to the doctor? Every day, worried parents call our pediatric office asking about fever. We always encourage them to bring the child in. Fever can be a sign of many illnesses, but one of them is particularly dangerous: meningitis. It should be diagnosed immediately to avoid serious and even fatal consequences, so we always tell parents—bring him in. It’s better to be safe.

WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis can be viral or bacterial. The bacterial type is more dangerous, as it carries a risk of severe complications like loss of hearing, kidney illnesses, and even death. Several types of bacterial meningitis exist, but the most dangerous is called “meningococcal disease,” which is either an inflammation of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, or the presence of bacteria in the blood stream. Viral meningitis, on the other hand, is not so serious, but should be followed very closely.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
Meningitis is an infectious illness transmitted by airborne droplets from coughing, kisses, and by sharing common items. Students are at the highest risk, forming almost 30% of all cases in the U.S. They’re more susceptible because they typically live in close quarters (as in college dorms), rarely get enough sleep, use common utensils, and communicate closely with people from different geographical locations. Babies, children of primary school age, and people who are in contact with meningitis patients are also at increased risk of being infected.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Meningitis often feels like other illnesses, particularly the flu. Symptoms include headache, nausea, muscle tension, photosensitivity, vomiting, and sometimes, rash. A child with such symptoms should be examined by a doctor and given immediate treatment. If the illness progresses, the doctor should prescribe large doses of antibiotics to prevent complications and risk of death.

STAY CLEAN TO STAY WEL
To lower your risk and your children risk of contracting this disease, follow the rules of good hygiene. Wash hands frequently in warm, soapy water, and never use common utensils. There is also a vaccine that protects from four main types of meningitis, which cause almost 70% of all cases in America. Doctors recommend vaccinations for children 11–18 years old and for students applying to college. (Information is available in our pediatric office.) 
As with any type of illness, when in doubt, see your doctor. With a little caution, we can all enjoy better health, and watch our children grow up healthy, as well.

Dr. Lev KOVARSKIY
59 Bay 29th Street
(corner of Bay Pkwy. & 86th St.)
Brooklyn, NY 11214
3007 Ocean Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11235
(718) 265-4454