Meningococcal Meningitis Symptoms
Many symptoms of meningococcal disease, which includes meningococcal meningitis, are similar to the flu (influenza), such as fever, headache, and nausea.2 This can lead to a misdiagnosis and a decision to wait it out. Unfortunately, waiting to see a health-care professional if you have meningococcal meningitis symptoms is the worst thing someone can do.
Meningococcal meningitis symptoms may be difficult to recognize, especially in the early stages of the disease. But, meningococcal meningitis can progress rapidly, so when it comes to treatment, speed is essential.2
A person with meningococcal meningitis may have some or all of the following meningitis symptoms. And they might not experience all the symptoms at the same time:2,3
- Severe headaches
- High fever
- Painfully stiff neck
- Nausea and vomiting
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Light sensitivity
- Confusion
- Rash
- Seizures
If a person has the above symptoms they may have meningococcal meningitis and need to be seen by a health-care provider immediately. It is not worth taking chances with such a fast-moving and potentially deadly disease.
Help protect your children today by vaccinating them with Menactra vaccine.
NEXT: How do I get the vaccine?Important Safety Information
Indication
Menactra vaccine is given to people 9 months through 55 years of age to help prevent meningococcal disease (including meningitis) caused by certain strains of meningococcal bacteria. Menactra vaccine is not indicated for the prevention of meningitis caused by meningococcal strains not contained in the vaccine.
Safety Information
Side effects to Menactra vaccine include injection site pain, redness, swelling, headache and tiredness. In infants, irritability, crying, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Other side effects may occur.
Vaccination should be avoided by persons with known hypersensitivity (severe allergic reaction) to any ingredient of the vaccine. Persons previously diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS - severe muscle weakness) may have an increased chance of getting GBS following vaccination. Vaccination with Menactra vaccine may not protect all individuals.
For more information about Menactra vaccine, talk to your health-care professional.
Ask for Menactra vaccine today?
Vaccinating your children against meningococcal disease (which includes meningococcal meningitis) is the best way to help protect them.
Help for the underinsured and uninsured
If you’re underinsured or uninsured, your child can still get Menactra vaccine – for little or no fee.19