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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the lining that surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection and can be life-threatening. The most common symptoms include a high fever, stiff neck, and headache.
AFTER YOU LEAVE:
- Antibiotics: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection. Take your antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
- Take your medicine as directed. Call your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your infectious disease specialist or primary healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
- Discard tissue after you wipe or blow your nose.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Do not share food or drinks.
For more information:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta , GA 30333
Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
NIAID Office of Communications & Government Relations
5601 Fishers Lane, MSC 9806
Bethesda, MD 20892-9806
For deliveries, use Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 1- 301 - 496-5717
Phone: 1- 866 - 284-4107
Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
Contact your infectious disease specialist or primary healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- You think someone in your family has bacterial meningitis.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.
Seek care immediately or call 911 if:
- You are hard to wake. Tell someone to call 911 if it becomes hard to wake you.
- You have a headache and stiff neck.
- You are confused.
- You have a seizure.
- You have a new red or purple skin rash.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.