I've spent more than 30 years talking to parents about all issues related to their children's health and well-being. As a parent myself, I can relate to the important decisions we make in caring for and protecting our children. What's key is for parents to inform themselves with credible and accurate data and have honest conversations with their doctor or nurse about ways to protect their children.
One area where I feel parents need more information is around immunization and meningitis in particular.
This is a disease that still affects children of all ages. Cases of bacterial meningitis have recently been confirmed over the past few months in British Columbia. We need to not only inoculate our children against this disease, we need to better understand it.
Meningitis is caused by an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord - caused by viral or bacterial infections. What most parents don't know is that there are different strains of the disease. Bacterial is the most common cause but there are five different strains.
The symptoms of meningitis mimic the flu and include headache, fever and a stiff neck. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to bright light, confusion and a purplish skin rash.
Within 48 hours, children can go from these flu-like symptoms to horrific outcomes that can include amputations, cognitive disorders (e.g. impairment of mental ability) and death. It is important to be aware that with the onset of this disease, there are common flu-like symptoms that can progress rapidly into a fatal diagnosis, even with aggressive treatment.
I recently watched a YouTube video in which a mom talked about her son Josh who died of meningitis. The real tragedy is that she didn't know that he could have been inoculated and been saved from the disease.
Meningitis affects around 400 people a year in Canada, with one in four children who develop meningitis dying within 48 hours. Any child can be exposed to the germs that can lead to meningitis.
Here are some myths and facts about meningitis:
Myth: There is only one type of meningitis. Fact: Meningitis can be caused by different germs including viral, bacterial and fungal. A viral infection is less severe and can typically be treated at home. Bacterial meningitis occurs when bacteria enters the blood and migrates to the spinal area.
Given the rapid progression and severity of meningitis, medical attention should be sought immediately if someone suspects meningitis.
Myth: Meningitis is easy to diagnose. Fact: Because early symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other illnesses, especially the flu, cases of meningitis can be overlooked and misdiagnosed initially. It's important at the onset of symptoms to seek immediate treatment. Early symptoms of meningitis are similar to flu symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck and vomiting.
It is important that all parents know about the disease and talk to their doctor or health-care professional. A great source of information is the website www.meninfo.ca and I encourage all parents to visit and learn about it.
Kathy Lynn is a parenting expert who is a professional speaker and author of Who's In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at www.parentingtoday.ca.
