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SECONDARY PNEUMONIA FROM SEVERE FLU

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    Posted: January 05 2006 at 7:41pm
IMPORTANT TOPIC!
  
GETTING THE PNEUMONIA VACCINATION MAY SAVE LIVES IN A FLU PANDEMIC:
 
GETTING THE PNEUMONIA VACCINATION AHEAD OF TIME - BEFORE A PANDEMIC BEGINS - IS THE BEST WAY TO SURVIVE.
 
As with any strain of flu, secondary "complications" to the flu can be lethal.  The primary lethal complication is when a bacterial pneumonia infection develops . It's the secondary pneumonia that actually kills.  Therefore, if you can keep the secondary pneumonia from developing, then although you still may get sick in a flu pandemic, you won't die.   

There are two ways to prevent the lethal pneumonia. You can either purchase antibiotics in advance as they will not be available during a pandemic, or you can simply get a pneumonia vaccination. People need to strongly encourage their friends and families to get the vaccination.  During the Flu pandemic of 1918, the initial vaccine used was a pneumonia vaccination.

 
GOOD ARTICLE TO READ ON RECENT FINDINGS:
 
 
ScienceDaily (Oct. 11, 2007)  Often called the most devastating epidemic in the recorded history of the world, the 1918 influenza virus pandemic was responsible for more than 40 million deaths across the globe. The incredible lethality of the 1918 flu strain is not well understood, despite having been under intense scrutiny for many years. Now, a new study published by Cell Press in the October issue of the journal Cell Host & Microbe unravels some of the mystery surrounding the devastating 1918 pandemic and provides key information that will help prepare for future pandemics.
 

It is relatively rare for an influenza virus to be virulent enough to cause death in healthy humans. Many deaths associated with influenza are caused by the combined influence of viral disease and the following secondary bacterial infection. Although the 1918 pandemic strain was one of the few influenza viruses capable of killing healthy victims on its own, the majority of fatal cases from the "Spanish Flu" can be attributed to secondary bacterial pathogens rather than primary viral disease. This important interaction between influenza viruses and bacteria is not well understood.

Dr. Jonathan A. McCullers from the Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee and colleagues examined this interaction by studying a newly discovered influenza A virus (IAV) protein, called PB1-F2. The gene encoding PB1-F2 is present in nearly all IAVs, including highly pathogenic avian IAVs that have infected humans and the IAV associated with the 1918 pandemic. "PB1-F2 was recently shown to enhance viral pathogenicity in a mouse infection model, raising questions about its effects on the secondary bacterial infections associated with high levels of influenza morbidity and mortality," explains Dr. McCullers.

The researchers found that expression of PB1-F2 increased the incidence of and exacerbated secondary bacterial pneumonia in a mouse model. Intranasal delivery of a synthetic peptide derived from a portion of PB1-F2 had the same effects. Further, an influenza virus engineered to express a version of PB1-F2 identical to that in the 1918 pandemic strain was more virulent in mice and led to more severe bacterial pneumonia, explaining in part both the unparalleled virulence of the 1918 strain and the high incidence of fatal pneumonia during the pandemic.

The finding that PB1-F2 promotes lung pathology in primary viral infection and secondary bacterial infection also provides critical information for the future. "Given the importance of IAV as a leading cause of virus-induced morbidity and mortality year in and year out, and its potential to kill tens of millions in the inevitable pandemic that may have its genesis in the viruses currently circulating in southeast Asia, it is imperative to understand the role of PB1-F2 in IAV pathogenicity in humans and animals," says Dr. McCullers. "These findings also reinforce the recent suggestion of the American Society for Microbiology that nations should stockpile antibiotics for the next pandemic, since many of the deaths during this event are likely to be caused by bacterial super-infections."

Reference: McAuley et al.: "Expression of the 1918 Influenza A Virus PB1-F2 Enhances the Pathogenesis of Viral and Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia." Publishing in Cell Host & Microbe 2, 240--249, October 2007. DOI 10.1016/j.chom.2007.09.001 

The researchers include Julie L. McAuley of Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis; Felicita Hornung of Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda; Kelli L. Boyd of Animal Resources Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis; Amber M. Smith of Department of Mathematics, University of Utah in Salt Lake City; Raelene McKeon of Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis; Jack Bennink and Jonathan W. Yewdell of Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda; and Jonathan A. McCullers of Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

This work was supported by the NIH the NIAID intramural research program, and the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC).

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071010120543.htm

 
 
 
ANOTHER INTERESTING ARTICLE: 
 
 
 
Pneumococcal vaccine urged in flu pandemic plan
 
MONTREAL -- U.S. plans for an influenza virus pandemic should include a strong recommendation for bacterial pneumonia vaccination, as this measure has been shown to reduce influenza mortality by up to 50%, said Dr. Keith Klugman.

"Among the 18 fundamental points in the U.S. pandemic plan, there is little mention of bacterial vaccines. I believe their role is significant and has not been considered up until now," he said at an international conference on community-acquired pneumonia.

Although the influenza virus alone can be fatal, the risk of death is greater with secondary pneumococcal infection, said Dr. Klugman, professor of infectious diseases and the William H. Foege Chair of Global Health at Emory University, Atlanta.

"The combination of bacterial superinfection and influenza is highly fatal. It's a huge problem, and it's not a small part of influenza mortality and morbidity," he said in an interview.

Evidence that pneumococcal infection played a major role in the 1918 influenza pandemic "'is substantial, but seems to have been forgotten," Dr. Klugman recently wrote in a letter to the editor (Science 2007;316:49-50).

He cited historical evidence of culturable pneumococci in the blood of at least half of the survivors and victims of influenza in two studies (Br. Med. J. 1919; 1:3-5; JAMA 1918;71:1735).

And a randomized, controlled trial by Dr. Klugman and his colleagues has shown that, in children, vaccination against the pneumococcal bacteria results in a 31% decrease in pneumonias associated with respiratory viruses (Nat. Med. 2004; 10:811-3).

"Because of the vaccine, they are not getting the superinfection that brings them to the hospital," he said at the meeting, which was sponsored by the International Society of Chemotherapy. "I think people have known for years that there can be bacterial superinfections with influenza, but they just didn't realize how common they were and how much of a role they play."

The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPM 23) is currently recommended in adults older than 65 years, but giving the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV 7) to children is more protective against bacterial pneumonia in the adult population, he said.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that adult infections with the seven pneumococcal strains covered in the children's vaccine have decreased, while infections from the other 16 strains covered by the adult vaccine have increased.

"The burden of disease in adults has been impacted more by giving the conjugate vaccine to children than by giving the 23-valent vaccine to adults," Dr. Klugman said.

This has led some investigators to ask whether adults might benefit by being immunized using the children's conjugate vaccine. (See box, "Giving Adults the Children's Conjugate Vaccine May Backfire, Researchers Say".)

Also, a new study (Lancet 2007;369:1179-86) offers the first evidence that vaccinating children protects adults against all pneumococcal pneumonia, not just bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia, he said.

Improving pneumococcal vaccine coverage in children could result in major reductions in infection across all ages, he said.

"Only about 60% of kids currently get the full four doses of the conjugate vaccine, and it's that fourth dose that induces the full immunity and stops transmission, so we need to do a much better job of immunizing kids."

REALTED ARTICLE: Giving adults the children's conjugate vaccine may backfire, researchers say.

Is there a role for giving the children's conjugate vaccine to adults?

A recent study suggested that it may not be as simple as that (Vaccine 2007;25:4029-37). Immunogenicity among elderly patients (aged 70-79 years) who were given the children's dose of conjugate vaccine was "nothing to get overly excited about," Dr. Klugman said. "Perhaps the dose designed for a primary response in kids is not enough for adults," he suggested.

And a study presented at the 2006 International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases by Dr. Andres de Roux, of the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, and colleagues suggested that the administration of the children's conjugate vaccine to elderly patients within 1 year of giving them the polysaccharide vaccine could actually suppress immunity.

"It seems the adult vaccine interferes with the response to the conjugate, which is a concern, because it means we can't simply give the conjugate to people who have previously had the [23-valent vaccine]. There will have to be a strategy, and it seems that certainly the conjugate needs to be given before the 23-valent," Dr. Klugman said.

Dr. Klugman said that in his opinion, a new conjugate vaccine, with coverage of more strains than the current one, will eventually replace the PPV 23 for adults.

ARTICLES BY KATE JOHNSON

http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/167306371.html

 
 
 
 
 




    
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We all have ours!  $60.00 a pop but 2 of our 4 insurances actually paid for them so it was only $120.00 total...the bargain of the year as far as I'm concerned.
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I got a booster shot last week. (Free under my health plan, Pacific Care)

I started getting the pneumonia shot about 20 years ago.  When the immunity conferred starts to wear off, I get another shot. 

Almost died as a child from pneumonia and as an adult, when the immunity wears off, I start to get chest congestion and colds.  A week after getting the shot, all colds and chest problems go away for years. It works for me.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AuntBones Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 06 2006 at 5:29am
Last week I went to my doctor's office, nurse gave me my vaccine.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote libbyalex Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 06 2006 at 5:47am
Got my pneumonia vaccine a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, spouse and 3 year old DS haven't been able to get one. -- Libby
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It sounds like there are a lot of people that are going to get their pneumonia vaccinations this week.  Lets hope this list grows this week!   Everybody needs to get their pneumonia vax right now - And then confirm that you received it by posting the news on this thread.

Here is why...

As we know, once you get the this flu, the secondary bacterial pneumonia sets in within 48 hours.  So it's actually the bacterial  pneumonia that kills.  Therefore, if you can hold off the pneumonia from developing, you will live!

Here is where it gets interesting .... did you know that the primary components of the original Spanish Flu vaccine was actually a simple  pneomonia vaccination?  Again, although they would still get the flu, they wouldn't die.  What this means is that if you go get a pneumonia vaccination today, you and your family will most likely survive. 

Please folks .... this is a no brainer .... if you want to survive this super plague I would strongly suggest getting a pneumonia vaccination today.   You owe it to your families to do this, IMO.    Don't gamble with their lives and get this done!

Here is what I'm talking about....

"Among the few successful medicines doctors used during the Spanish flu were privately made vaccines for bacterial pneumonia. Today we have something called the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. One injection protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria for a lifetime, so you don't have to wait until you're ill or even until there's a pandemic to be inoculated. Bacteria never develop resistance against it, as they do with antibiotics, and it will provide protection against any strain of flu, be it human or avian. A computer model in the Netherlands found that giving this vaccine to just 17 percent of the population prevented 3.5 percent of expected deaths directly and fully a fourth of all hospitalizations. Beds would be scarce during any pandemic and freeing them up would translate into better care for the sick and even more lives saved. "

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marjo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2006 at 9:15am
Hi,

I made an appointment for next monday (couldn't get it sooner ).

When I called they asked which kind of pneumo vaccination I wanted...
Are different kinds??? Which one should I ask for?

Marjo,
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Hi Marjo.

This is the one you want.

pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

Tell them that it's the one that protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.   I Believe it's the standard one these days, but make sure tell them it's for 23 types.  

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Also, once you get your vaccination, please come back here and post it on this thread to confirm it.  We're trying to see how long we can get this thread with vaccination confirmations LOL.    

We will be watching on Monday

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mountain Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2006 at 11:08am
i walked into a clinic and got mine on 23 dec 05, $35.00 in vegas
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marjo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2006 at 12:25pm
Hi Albert,

thanks for the info!
I'll make sure to get the right one


Marjo,
The Netherlands


Originally posted by Albert Albert wrote:

Hi Marjo.

This is the one you want.

pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

Tell them that it's the one that protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.   I Believe it's the standard one these days, but make sure tell them it's for 23 types.  


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meewee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2006 at 3:14pm

Just got back from getting mine!  Cost $30.00 What a relief!

Meewee

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Good job Meewee!   

Mountain, you're on top of this thingt!   Glad to hear you got it done early! 

 



Edited by Albert
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meewee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2006 at 3:23pm

 TY TY TYVM ! I feel much better now Albert!

Meewee

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I think $30.00 is the cheapest yet.  I hold the record for the most expensiive one.  Mine was $119.00.  And then I took my wife and brother to the same clinic and theirs were $70.00?  I didn't say anything....

I'm not sure if anyone can beat $30.00, except possibly "concerned" or "IdahoGirl".  They work in healthcare .... 

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meewee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2006 at 3:40pm

Used to work in the health care industry and now work for the school district in the cafeteria. Doc knows how prone I am to pneumonia and has been pestering me for years to get one...Only got the courage now thanks to you and this web-site Albert!

Meewee

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2006 at 5:13pm

hubby and i are getting ours on thursday at the department of health for $35.00 each.  no appointment needed and age not a factor - they don't even want identification - just the $$$$$

 

kathie

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I go to get my shot in the next couple of days! I do want to clarify that there is bacteria and viral Pneumonia. I will be using the VA and my husbands insurance, so it costs me nothing.

 

I have included in order of concern:

 

Complicated Influenza

         Primary viral pneumonia

         Secondary bacterial pneumonia

         Bacterial sinusitis

         Myositis

         Myocarditis / pericarditis

         Guillian-Barre syndrome

         Reye’s Syndrome

 

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Originally posted by KillerFlu.net KillerFlu.net wrote:

I go to get my shot in the next couple of days! I do want to clarify that there is bacteria and viral Pneumonia.

 

Killer,

Is there a vaccine for Viral Pneumonia?

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It's the secondary pneumonia that we have to be careful of in this case.  

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LizG Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 10 2006 at 10:28pm
Hi I got mine 2 weeks ago. Didn't cost anything up here in Canada. I was happy, my daughter will get hers later this week.
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Good job liz....   That's the cheapest price in Canada yet LOL.

Glad to hear your daughter's will be done this week.  This disease seems to be particularly hard on the young because of the pneumonia.

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Originally posted by Appalled Appalled wrote:

Originally posted by KillerFlu.net KillerFlu.net wrote:

I go to get my shot in the next couple of days! I do want to clarify that there is bacteria and viral Pneumonia.

 

Killer,

Is there a vaccine for Viral Pneumonia?

The simple answer is no, however, the bacterial pneumonia vaccine may protect against viral cases (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-07-11-vaccine_x.htm ) This shot most likely will help. Remember this flu's side effects are reported in this order of complication:

        

 

Primary viral pneumonia (this is the most deadly complication of the Avian Flu) – According to a Medical Briefing on January 4 2006

         Secondary bacterial pneumonia (this is what the vaccination is for, however it can help against the viral also)

         Bacterial sinusitis

         Myositis

         Myocarditis / pericarditis

         Guillian-Barre syndrome

         Reye’s Syndrome

Children under 2 can not get the Pneumococcal vaccination due to their bodies do not react to it. You may also have to get your older children’s shots scheduled at the community health agency, due to their age. Some states will not permit the doctors to write a script or vaccinate in their offices anymore. Young children get RSV easily, so keep them away from the sick. The pneumonia vaccine is generally given once, although revaccination after 3-5 years should be considered for children with nephrotic syndrome, asplenia, or sickle cell anemia who would be less than 11 years old at revaccination. Revaccination should also be considered for high-risk adults who received their first shot six years ago or more, and for those who are shown to have rapid decline in pneumococcal antibody levels.

Notes: The major types of pneumonia are bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, and mycoplasma pneumonia.

Best tips for both viral and bacterial pneumonia:

  • Drink warm fluids to relieve coughing.
  • Use an ultrasonic humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. (Ultrasonic humidifiers kill bacteria and molds in the water.)
  • Rest.
  • Don't rush your recovery. It can takes weeks to get your full strength back.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Treatment: Early treatment with antibiotics can cure bacterial pneumonia and speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia. There are generally no effective treatments for most types of viral pneumonia, which usually heal on their own.

I hope that this helps?!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote halogen601 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 11 2006 at 3:45pm

I had my pneumonia vaccination back in 1999 and thought they were good for a lifetime.  Just out of curiosity, in 1999, was this the 23 type protective vaccine that Albert is referring to?  I called my doctor and the nurse said that usually only high risk people get the shot.  I reminded her that I was 44 years old and not high risk but she told me to come on in anyway on Saturday for another shot since they had plenty of vaccine.  She commented that another pneumonia shot would not be harmful.  I wonder if Blue Cross Empire Blue covers the cost?

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I would definitely get it done again if its been around 5 years.... better safe than sorry.    Please post on this thread again after you get it done to let us know.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Corn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 11 2006 at 9:14pm

i have an appointment for tomorow after lunc 45$ did i hear someone say in another thread that the menegitis  vac may also be helpful? it's 110$

may get both since i have a large brain. Super Flu Man must protect himslf from all threats to the planet

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You must have heard my mental call...I was gonna post "Where's Bird Flu Man, we NEED him"

Re: Meningitis vax...I paid for my son to have his $160.00 @ our doctor.  He will be the one out and about and so I thought it would be just one more layer of protection.

Meningits is a common complication of viral infection.  That's my understanding anyway.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/meningococcal_g.h tm

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Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation is usually caused by bacteria or viruses (viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis). Less common causes include fungi, protozoa, and other parasites. Sometimes certain medications, cancers, or other diseases can inflame the meninges, although such noninfectious cases of meningitis are much rarer.

Many of the bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis are fairly common and are more often associated with other everyday illnesses. Sometimes, however, they spread to the meninges from an infection in another part of the body. The infection can start anywhere, including in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or urinary system, but the most common source is the respiratory tract. From there the microorganisms can enter the bloodstream, travel through the body, and enter the central nervous system. In some cases of bacterial meningitis, the bacteria spread directly to the meninges from a severe nearby infection, such as a serious ear infection (otitis media) or nasal sinus infection (sinusitis). Bacteria may also enter the central nervous system after severe head trauma or head surgery.

Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral meningitis but is usually much more serious and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Many different types of bacteria can cause meningitis: Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes are the most common causes of meningitis in newborns. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) are more frequent in children older than 2 months of age. Before the 1990s, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was the leading cause of meningitis in children in the United States. But the widespread use of the Hib vaccine as a routine childhood immunization has dramatically decreased the frequency of meningitis caused by Hib.

Viral meningitis is relatively common and far less serious than bacterial meningitis. It often remains undiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to those of the common flu. The frequency of viral meningitis increases slightly in the summer and fall months because people are more often exposed to common viral agents during those seasons. Most cases of viral meningitis are associated with enteroviruses - viruses that typically cause stomach "flu." However, many other types of viruses, such as the herpes virus, can also cause meningitis. The mumps virus was once a common cause of viral meningitis, but it is now rare due to the routine use of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Bacterial meningitis occurs in people of all ages but is more common in the very young (infants and young children) and the elderly (people above age 60). Teenagers and college students are also slightly more at risk for the disease because of time spent in close contact with many of their peers. Viral meningitis occurs in people of all ages, although it is more common in children.

People with less competent immune systems, such as the very young or those whose immune systems have been compromised by disease, are more at risk for all types of meningitis. Some types are more common in child-care centers, boarding schools, dormitories, and military bases, mainly because infectious diseases tend to spread quickly among large groups of people. Not receiving routine vaccines for certain infectious agents that can cause meningitis - including those for mumps, Hib, and pneumococcus - also increases a person's risk for the disease.

The long-term outlook for children who develop meningitis varies greatly and depends on a child's age, the microorganism causing the infection, any other complications, and the treatment the child receives. The complications of bacterial meningitis can be severe and include neurological problems such as hearing loss, visual impairment, seizures, and learning disabilities. The heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands may also be affected. Although some children develop long-lasting neurological problems from bacterial meningitis, most who receive prompt diagnosis and treatment recover fully.

The majority of cases of viral meningitis resolve with no complications.

Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of meningitis vary and depend both on the age of the child and on which bacterium or virus is causing the infection. The symptoms of viral meningitis are usually milder than those of bacterial meningitis. However, symptoms of bacterial and viral cases can be similar, particularly in the early stages of the disease. This makes prompt, accurate identification of the infectious organism crucial to effective treatment and the patient's recovery.

The first symptoms of meningitis may surface several days after a child has had a cold and runny nose, diarrhea and vomiting, or other signs of a bacterial or viral infection. Some of the more common symptoms of meningitis include fever, lethargy (decreased consciousness), or irritability. Older children may complain of a headache, photophobia (eye sensitivity to light), and a stiff neck, which is often noted by the doctor during a physical exam.

Meningitis also can lead to skin rashes, although rashes caused by bacterial meningitis look different from those caused by viral meningitis. Seizures occasionally accompany meningitis as well.

Newborns and infants with meningitis may lack the classical signs described above and simply be extremely irritable or lethargic. Normally, infants who are not feeling well will be comforted when their mothers pick them up. However, a baby who has meningitis may display something called paradoxical irritability - when picking up and rocking a child makes the child more distressed. This can be a sign of irritated meninges.

Other symptoms of meningitis in infants can include: jaundice (a yellowish tint to the skin), a stiffness of the body and neck (neck rigidity), a mild fever, a lower-than-normal temperature, poor feeding, a weak suck, and a high-pitched cry. Parents may also notice bulging fontanelles on their baby's head. (Fontanelles are the soft spot at the top/front of the baby's skull, where the bones of the skull join and are still open at that age.)

Contagiousness
Most cases of meningitis result from infections that are contagious. The infectious agents usually spread from person to person in tiny drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is infected. (This could be a person with either meningitis or, more likely, the common infection caused by that germ.) The drops may become airborne when the person coughs, laughs, talks, or sneezes. They then can infect others when people breathe them in or touch the drops and then touch their own noses or mouths.

Sharing food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, tissues, or towels may all transmit the infections as well. Some infectious organisms can spread through a person's stool, and someone who comes in contact with the stool - such as a child in day care - may contract the infection.

The infections most often spread between people who are in close contact, such as those who live together or people who are exposed by kissing or sharing eating utensils. Casual contact at school or work with someone who has one of these infections usually will not transmit the infectious agent.

It is important to remember that just because someone becomes infected with a particular bacterium or virus does not automatically mean that person will get meningitis. In most cases, the microorganism will simply cause a run-of-the-mill respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. In some instances, people may carry one of the germs that can cause meningitis without becoming ill at all. Even though they have no symptoms of disease, they can still spread the germ, however.

Patients with meningitis typically remain contagious while they still have symptoms. People who have bacterial meningitis can be contagious for about 24 hours after they begin taking antibiotics.

Prevention
Routine immunization of young adolescents will help prevent this rare but serious infection. Experts now recommend that kids who are 11 years old get vaccinated for meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to meningitis. The vaccine is called quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, or MCV4. Children who have not had the vaccine and are 15 years old, or entering high school should also get the vaccine. People who are entering college, and will be living in a dormitory setting should also get the vaccine.

Many of the bacteria and viruses that are responsible for meningitis are fairly common. Good hygiene is an important means of preventing any infection. Encourage your family members to wash their hands thoroughly and often, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. Avoiding close contact with someone who is obviously ill and not sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils can help halt the spread of germs as well.

In certain cases of meningitis, doctors may decide to give antibiotics to anyone who has been in close contact with the person who is ill to help prevent additional cases of illness.

The vaccines against Hib, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and pneumococcus can protect against meningitis caused by these microorganisms. Some high-risk children should also be immunized against certain types of meningococcus. Because bacterial meningitis is most likely to occur in confined settings such as college dorms, some colleges ask that incoming students be vaccinated against meningococcus. This vaccine may also be recommended for people who are traveling to countries where meningitis is more common.

Incubation
This varies with the organism causing the meningitis. The incubation periods for the most common causes of meningitis range from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Duration
Even with proper treatment, bacterial meningitis may take days (and sometimes weeks) to resolve, and recovery from its effects may take even longer. Most cases of viral meningitis resolve completely within 1 to 2 weeks.

Professional Treatment
Any child with possible meningitis needs aggressive diagnosis and treatment. First the doctor will take a history and perform a physical examination. If meningitis is suspected, the doctor will order laboratory tests to help make the diagnosis. The tests will likely include a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect a sample of spinal fluid. This sample will be examined for signs of inflammation and cultured for the organism that may be causing the infection.

It is crucial to fight cases of bacterial meningitis quickly. If a child is diagnosed with (or strongly suspected to have) bacterial meningitis, doctors will start intravenous antibiotics as soon as possible, often before the exact microorganism causing the infection has been pinpointed. Once the infectious agent is identified through laboratory tests, the antibiotics can be changed, if necessary, or discontinued if the patient turns out to have viral meningitis.

If the child is diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, he or she will be hospitalized and closely monitored. While in the hospital, the child will continue to receive antibiotics and may require intensive-care treatment. The child will receive fluids to replace those lost to fever, sweating, vomiting, and poor appetite, and may be given corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation of the meninges, depending on the cause of the disease.

Complications of bacterial meningitis may require specific treatment. For example, anticonvulsants can be given for seizures. If the child develops shock or low blood pressure, additional intravenous fluids and certain medications may be given to increase blood pressure. Some children may need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation if they have difficulty breathing.

A child who has viral meningitis may also be hospitalized, although some children are allowed to recover at home if they do not seem to be too ill. With the exception of medication for the herpes simplex virus, there are no medications to fight the agents that cause viral meningitis, so treatment is usually aimed at relieving the child's symptoms. This includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medication.

Some patients who have had meningitis may require longer-term follow-up. One of the most common problems resulting from bacterial meningitis is impaired hearing, and children who have had bacterial meningitis should have a hearing test following their recovery.

Home Treatment
Any child with suspected meningitis should be seen by a doctor. Once a diagnosis has been made, all patients with bacterial meningitis and many with viral meningitis will be treated in the hospital. Older children whose laboratory tests show no signs of bacterial meningitis and who have milder symptoms may be sent home to recover. There they should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. If necessary, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) can be used to relieve fever and headache.

Children who recover at home need to be closely watched by their parents and followed by their doctors. If the condition of a child recuperating at home worsens, the child should go to the emergency department right away.

When to Call Your Child's Doctor
Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your child has meningitis or if your child exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, headache, lethargy or confusion, neck stiffness, rash, and fever. Infants who have fever, irritability, poor feeding, and lethargy should be assessed by a doctor right away.

If your child has had contact with someone who has meningitis (for example, in a child-care center or a college dorm), call your child's doctor to determine whether your child should take preventive medication.

Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: March 2004
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD


Note: All information on KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

©1995-2006 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Corn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 11 2006 at 9:52pm

coool. guess i'll slpurge for the extra $220 on the both of us. between Tamiflu 2 doses and the pneumonia and menegitis thats'over $600.

Include thousands on basic preps and if the BF don't get me a heart attack from seeing the bill will.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 12 2006 at 7:50am

Pneumonia Vaccine  Shot. I just wanted to let you all know that I tried to get my children the Pneumonia Vaccine shot and was turned away. Mainly because no one wants to give it, my doctors says to go to the community health department and they say go to my doctor’s office. After the run-a-round they both told me that they wouldn’t do it because my children were not in high risk groups. After I explained that they all have had lung infections before, they still refused. After explaining that it would help against the Avian Flu if it were to hit, the community health nurse laughed at me, saying “Do you have chickens and or kiss them.” I of course said “No” and she said, “Then there you have nothing to worry about”, “besides”, she said, “it will never go human to human.”

After this I really understood how much trouble we are all in. Do not rely on the government nor the healthcare providers. I have had too many of them laugh this off and not even prepare for this. I guess I am done venting.

As a note I do have a nebulizer and meds for it as a backup.

April

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kathie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 12 2006 at 9:38am

got my pneu. vaccine today at the health department.  i am 55 and my husband is 57 and they advised us that we will need another one when we turn 65 years of age.

we were also advised that it will take 2-3 weeks from the time you get the vaccine for it to be effective.

 

kathie

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 12 2006 at 10:37am

Good job Kathie!

April, you can go to any clinic and get it.  It will cost more though, but you can get it at just a normal walkin clinic.  

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bruss01 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 12 2006 at 10:45am

Myself and my wife both got the vaccines (flu and pneumovax 23) when they brought a visiting nurse to the place where I work.  Since I am a contractor, we had to pay, vs. employees who got the vaccines free. It's a state agency, I guess they don't want to be decimated in the event of an outbreak.  Cost us 20 bucks for the flu, 30 for the pneumonia, so for 100 bucks we're all set - money well spent.

The visiting nurse really, really resisted giving us the pneumovax, saying it was really only for old people.  We good naturedly kept insisting, "yah, well, I think we'll go ahead and get it anyway".  She eventually relented, since we were first in line and were holding up the works.  But she wasn't happy about it.

The flu shot was a little sore for a few hours, and went away.  The pneumovax, however... OW!  our arms were plenty sore for several days.  Wow.  Guess we really needed it.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 12 2006 at 11:15am
Good job Bruss01!  Good job not taking no for answer.  It's important to get this done at all costs.   !
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Corn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 13 2006 at 12:04am
got the shots. tell Albert.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 13 2006 at 4:51am

YAAA BUDDY !

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AuntBones Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 13 2006 at 5:15am
Why do SOME health care workers act as if THEY are paying for your vaccine out of their paycheck! Everyday we a bombarded in regards to taking our health into our own hands. Funny most doctors are very pro active to  EKG, Bloodwork,Chest Xrays, Colon scopes, M  Grams for us women.....I could keep listing, but you all get the picture here.How many people just follow the doctors advice and get all the testing done....many do. Seems like when YOU are pro active, falls on deaf ears.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 13 2006 at 3:37pm

Has anyone had their children to receive this shot? If so how old were they? I can not get anyone to do to around here and my Dr. asked me to go to another provider due to he has different beliefs on the subject. No harsh words, just frustration.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rocky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 13 2006 at 5:33pm
Forgive me for cross-posting. I see that others have had the same
problem I have had...getting the pneumonia vaccine for people
under age 65?

I can't find a Health Dept (WA State) whoe would consider vaccinating my
family. I have grown children ages 30-45 (all teachers) and 2 school-age
grandkids.

Anyone have any suggestions? BTW The Health Dept. did recommended
anyone 65 or older who had the pneumonia vaccine 5 or more years ago,
to get a booster.

To me, this situation is particularly alarming because if we do have a
pandemic and it is anything like 1918, the worst hit were the younger
people (about 20-40 year olds) in good health, with strong immune
systems. As I understand it, their deaths were caused by a violent
immune system reaction to the pneumonia following the original virus.

Thanks

Prepare for the Unexpected!
Rocky
http://www.homeemergencyusa.com
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 13 2006 at 6:05pm
That's not cross -posting.   Not being able to get vaccinated is a serious issue.   Any walk-in clinic in the country will give you the vaccination, no questions asked.  Of course, they will charge you more, but at least they will do it. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote halogen601 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 13 2006 at 7:34pm

Albert,

I'm rather perturbed.  After calling my doctor's office twice this week, I was assured that I could just walk in without a doctor visit or appointment and the nurse would give the pneumo shot. I stopped smoking on Thanksgiving, gained weight and became the Incredible Bulk. (My doctor reprimands anyone for gaining weight and I wanted to avoid his disapproval).  I took off from work early today and when I got there, they said I had to see the doctor because I previously had a pneumo shot years ago (by the Visiting Nurse Association at work) and it should have been done in his office instead.  I'm so angry now because the doctor office is booked solid.  Just out of curiousity, when one visits a clinic, will they accept all incoming patients or is it based on need.  Now I'm willing to pay the US$100 just to get the shot again but it seems that the providers are so reluctant to give it. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 13 2006 at 7:50pm

Just walk in, fill out the 3 forms of paper work, and that's it.   They always have you do the new paper work so that they can get you into their system.  Then, they call you in and wam bam - well, you know the rest .....  

This is how clinics make money and why they're in business.   They love selling vaccinations. That's their bread and butter.  You will never find a medical walkin clinic arguing with you lol.   They will gladly rush you in for the shot.    Just pull into one of those many clinics that you drive by every day, and just pull in.  The clinics are everywhere. 

These clincs are open all weekend long.   There is no reason why everybody can't get it done this weekend, unless it's a financial issue. 



Edited by Albert
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kathie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 14 2006 at 6:46pm

i am 55 and my husband is 57.

health department questioned our ages because we weren't 65.

told them i have lyme disease (true) and husband has asthma (true) and they didn't question us any further.  anyone with a compromised immune system should be able to get the vaccine.

 

kathie

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 14 2006 at 7:10pm
Albert, you have finally made it clear (at least to me, foggy headed as usual) that you aren't talking about the city or county run clinic but the ever convenient Doc-In-A-Box in your local strip mall.  Now I understand your repeated statements of ease of receiving one.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 14 2006 at 7:25pm

My fault.  I should have described them better.   Those places love to sell vaccines though.  Sheesh.  They almost push them on you lol.   

Kathie----- Good job to you and your husband.   It's good to see a "family cluster" getting it done together.  

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