Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal disease is a devastating bacterial disease that kills one out of every seven children and adolescents it strikes. Those who escape death end up with amputations and terrible damage to their organs. The kicker is that it’s preventable with a free vaccination at every health department.
Meningococcal disease is a deadly bacterial infection that works fast and is hard to identify. It can be prevented with a vaccination. Yet half our kids are not being protected. Parents should be fully informed about the infection and the prevention. The Centers for Disease control and Prevention have long supported meningococcal vaccinations for 11 and 12 year olds, but the initial dose wears out over time. They recently added a booster for teens. College age students should also receive a vaccination before entering college regardless of age.
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Meningococcal disease acts fast and the symptoms can be confusing. Prevention is the only way of protection. By the time an infected person gets medical attention it’s often too late. Some lose their lives in a few short hours. The bacteria causes terrible damage throughout the body. Meningococcal meningitis occurs when the membrane around the brain and spinal cord becomes infected. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream causing meningococcemia, and it also infects the lungs and heart. One in seven adolescents who get it will die. Those who live will likely suffer amputations and organ damage.
Laws in Georgia require college students to have a vaccination or sign a waiver. The vaccination is free to anyone who can’t afford it or doesn’t have health insurance. Despite this only 53% of children in Georgia have had the vaccination. There is no excuse for not protecting our children. Every Health Care Center and Student Health Center in Georgia is providing this free service. Take your children to be vaccinated today to prevent meningococcal disease.
One such case in the year 2000 was a young eighteen year old named Brandon. He had started his first year in college when he was struck down and died within a few hours with the disease. His parents were shocked to discover it could have been prevented with a vaccination. Dr. Harry Howard knows how devastating meningococcal disease can be. He believes that parents who are informed will choose to protect their children. He says, “It’s out goal to get this information out to parents everywhere.” Pass this information on to your friends and neighbors, you might save a young life.
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Articles by Ruby Hawk:
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http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/signs-of-diabetes/
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megamatt09 | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
Ugly sounding for sure.
Darlene McFarlane | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
I knew about the disease but I had no idea fast it could spread. You would think that all parents would want to be sure their kids had their shots. I hope your article will help spread the word.
Borhan | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
Nice share.
adhiiw4hyu | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
keep it up
iamhanifah | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
oh I am familiar with the desease and Philippines was once hit by it, thanks god it vanished in our country. But still we must be careful.
Atanacio | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
Good health post I still feel the more we post and keep in formed the better we have at withstanding or protecting ourselves from this and most diseases
Frank
Linda Lori | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
Great information. I only knew some of the facts regarding this disease.
Shirley Shuler | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
I have heard of this disease Ruby. Thanks for the information.
LCM Linda | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
Terrible disease, especially it kills fast. Hope more people notice that there is effective vaccination and be well protected.
addjust | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
nice share
irenen1 | Jun 25, 2011 | Reply
I almost died from spinal meningitus when I was 16. In a coma for two weeks. Symptoms hit fast and disease can kill within 24 hours. Symptoms include fever, chills, migraine headache, super sensitivity to light, vomiting, blood blisters (peticea) around wrists and ankles.
Jimmy Shilaho | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
It is a fatal infection. Sometimes the side effects alone can be scaring.
PR Mace | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
Good write-up, Ruby. Well researched.
Hettie | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
Great article Ruby
beauley | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
A very informative as well as interesting article. I guess the question is: Are all who get the vaccine totally protected? And yes “prevention” is key to avoiding disease. Thank you Ruby for sharing this article.
lapasan | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
that is a deadly disease. the information about vaccination should be passed to people to prevent contacting that disease.
sambasivarao | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
Good information.
articlesfactory | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
health care
SharifaMcFarlane | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
This is a deadly disease.
The Soul Explorer | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
We always have to take good care of our health to avoid any diseases.
yes me | Jun 28, 2011 | Reply
A great share for awareness Ruby cheers