Children are at a higher risk of meningitis caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Children more likely to get the illness include: Newborns and babies (Because their immune systems are not well developed, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream more easily.) Children with frequent sinus infections Feb 6, 2023 · Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. While meningitis affects people in all age groups, children 2 and younger are most at risk. Without prompt treatment, infants with meningitis can suffer permanent brain damage or even death. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this dangerous ... Specific Immunization Reactions. Pain or swelling at the shot site for 1 to 2 days. (20% of children) Mild fever lasting 1 to 3 days begins 14 to 28 days after the shot (10%). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102° F (39°C). Never give aspirin for fever, pain or within 6 weeks of getting the shot.May 18, 2023 · In many cases, they are harmless. Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection. Most bacteria that cause ... Jan 27, 2023 · Seizures. Sleepiness or trouble waking. Sensitivity to light. No appetite or thirst. Skin rash in some cases, such as in meningococcal meningitis. Signs in newborns Newborns and infants may show these signs: High fever. Jun 15, 2023 · Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent ... Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning ( sepsis) and result in permanent damage ... Feb 6, 2023 · Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. While meningitis affects people in all age groups, children 2 and younger are most at risk. Without prompt treatment, infants with meningitis can suffer permanent brain damage or even death. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this dangerous ... May 1, 2003 · Neonatal meningitis is an uncommon but serious disease, with an incidence of 0.1–0.4 per 1000 live births. 1, 2 It can have severe long term sequelae in 12–29% of survivors, 2– 8 and milder impairment of neurological function occurs in another 15–38%. 3– 5, 8 Cognitive impairment has been shown in some follow up studies of neonatal ... Dec 22, 2022 · It might surprise you how quickly your baby is picking up new skills. Infant development milestones for a 7- to 9-month-old include sitting, standing and laughing. As your baby becomes more mobile and curious, infant development takes off. It might seem that your baby learns something new every day. We’re happy to have these conversations for you – it’s our job to make sure you and your baby are safe under our care. When possible, avoid taking your baby to crowded public places for a few months after birth. Herpes infection from incidental touching of strangers or development of other infections from respiratory germs might occur.Encephalitis also may cause changes in sight or hearing. Most people with infectious encephalitis have flu-like symptoms, such as: Headache. Fever. Aches in muscles or joints. Fatigue or weakness. Typically, these are followed by more-severe symptoms over a period of hours to days, such as: Stiff neck.Feb 27, 2018 · Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it’s not usually life-threatening. The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces ... Older children and adolescents have a stiff neck with a fever, headache, and confusion, and newborns and young infants are usually irritable, stop eating, vomit, or have other symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the results of a spinal tap and blood and urine tests. Some children die of meningitis even after receiving appropriate treatment.Here we offer helpful, doctor-approved info about fever, coughs, colds, flu, rashes, allergies, and many other health concerns. Explore our guides to doctor visits, vaccines, and medication, get advice on teething and dental care, and learn how to keep your child safe at home and beyond. Photo credit: iStock.com / FatCamera.Jan 27, 2023 · Bacterial meningitis. Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated right away with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Severe viral meningitis may also be treated in hospital. Treatments include: antibiotics given directly into a vein. fluids given directly into a vein to prevent dehydration. oxygen through a face mask if there are any breathing difficulties. steroid medication to help reduce any swelling around the brain, in some cases. People with meningitis ... Sep 27, 2022 · Protects your child from Hib disease, which can cause lifelong disability and be deadly. Protects your child from the most common type of Hib disease, meningitis (an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Keeps your child from missing school or child care, and you from missing work. Children are at a higher risk of meningitis caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Children more likely to get the illness include: Newborns and babies (Because their immune systems are not well developed, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream more easily.) Children with frequent sinus infections In many cases, they are harmless. Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection. Most bacteria that cause ...The most common symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults are: fever. sensitivity to light. very bad headache and stiff or sore neck. nausea or vomiting and loss of appetite. tiredness and drowsiness. irritability. confusion. purple-red skin rash or bruising.Apr 18, 2020 · The baby was born with Apgar scores of 6 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Her birth weight was 2.8 kg with a head circumference of 43.5 cm (>99th percentile). Her exam was notable for macrocephaly with bulging fontanelles, large bilateral cleft lip/palate, nasal encephalocele, and bilateral microphthalmia. Bacterial meningitis, which took the life of famed guitar player Jeff Beck, is a potentially deadly infection that can strike quickly. Learn about the causes, what puts you at risk, and how to ...Mar 22, 2022 · Meningitis in children. Meningitis becomes more common in children as they grow older and reach high school and college ages. Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis in children are similar to ... Specific Immunization Reactions. Pain or swelling at the shot site for 1 to 2 days. (20% of children) Mild fever lasting 1 to 3 days begins 14 to 28 days after the shot (10%). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102° F (39°C). Never give aspirin for fever, pain or within 6 weeks of getting the shot.May 11, 2009 · Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. Inflammation can begin suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (subacute). Major symptoms may include fever, headache, and a stiff neck, sometimes with aching muscles. Nausea, vomiting and other symptoms may occur. View Full Report. Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and brain covering (meninges) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, and changes in mood, personality, or ... How is meningitis diagnosed in a child? Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). This is the only test that diagnoses meningitis. A needle is placed into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is ... Blood tests. These can help diagnose infections that cause meningitis. CT scan or MRI. These are tests ... Jun 15, 2023 · Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent ... Almost half of neonatal sepsis survivors return to the hospital at least once after recovery. Some babies develop an infection of the membranes surrounding their brain called meningitis. Newborns who have this condition may develop serious symptoms and side effects, including: Extreme sluggishness (lethargy).Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning ( sepsis) and result in permanent damage ... In infants, meningitis symptoms may include: High fever. Crying that’s constant and gets louder when you hold the baby. Baby seems overly sleepy, sluggish, or inactive. Stiff neck or body. Bulge ... Bacterial meningitis. Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated right away with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.Bacterial meningitis in newborns usually results from an infection of the blood ( sepsis ). The infection is most commonly caused by the following bacteria: Group B streptococci Escherichia coli Listeria monocytogenes A number of other bacteria may cause meningitis as well. Your baby can get meningitis when bacteria, viruses, or a fungus infecting another part of their body travels in the bloodstream to their brain and spinal cord. Out of 1,000 live births,...Dec 30, 2022 · Specific Immunization Reactions. Pain or swelling at the shot site for 1 to 2 days. (20% of children) Mild fever lasting 1 to 3 days begins 14 to 28 days after the shot (10%). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102° F (39°C). Never give aspirin for fever, pain or within 6 weeks of getting the shot. Mar 16, 2022 · Serogroup B meningococcal vaccines, such as Bexero or Trumenba. All children should be vaccinated at 11 or 12 with one of the conjugate vaccines, with a booster dose at age 16. As for the serogroup B vaccine, teens should definitely get it if. they have a complement deficiency (this is something that is generally diagnosed by the teenage years). The most common symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults are: fever. sensitivity to light. very bad headache and stiff or sore neck. nausea or vomiting and loss of appetite. tiredness and drowsiness. irritability. confusion. purple-red skin rash or bruising.Change in behavior – crying more than usual, irritable, more sleepy, confused. Hearing loss. Severe headaches. Bulging soft spot on their head – babies only. If you suspect your child’s bacterial meningitis is coming back or they are getting sicker, take them to the closest hospital emergency department or call 911. Disease can be localized to skin, eye and mouth (SEM disease), involve the central nervous system (CNS) or manifest as disseminated infection involving multiple organs. Most surviving infants in the latter two categories have neurological sequelae, and the mortality rate in the absence of therapy is very high (80%) for babies in the latter ...Enterovirus encephalitis (EVE) can present as meningoencephalitis (where it results in both inflammation of the brain and its lining), an illness similar to herpes simplex encephalitis, or a severe brainstem encephalitis. Symptoms can include lethargy, somnolence, altered consciousness, personality change, hallucinations, stiff neck, ataxia ...May 18, 2023 · In many cases, they are harmless. Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection. Most bacteria that cause ... In infants, meningitis symptoms may include: High fever. Crying that’s constant and gets louder when you hold the baby. Baby seems overly sleepy, sluggish, or inactive. Stiff neck or body. Bulge ...Jan 27, 2023 · Bacterial meningitis. Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated right away with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. The pneumococcal vaccine offers protection against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis. Babies are offered the pneumococcal vaccine as 2 separate injections at 12 weeks with a booster given at 1 year of age. A single dose is offered to adults aged 65 or over. Find out more about the pneumococcal vaccine.Meningitis is when the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord become inflamed and swollen. This usually happens because the membranes, called the meninges, have become infected from bacteria or a virus. The inflammation can then cause damage to the brain or nerves. In infants, illness caused by group B strep can be within six hours of birth (early onset) — or weeks or months after birth (late onset). Signs and symptoms might include: Fever. Low body temperature. Difficulty feeding. Sluggishness, limpness or weak muscle tone. Difficulty breathing. Irritability. Jitteriness.Children are at a higher risk of meningitis caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Children more likely to get the illness include: Newborns and babies (Because their immune systems are not well developed, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream more easily.) Children with frequent sinus infections Apr 27, 2023 · Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age. Recommendations for Ages 18 Years or Younger, United States, 2023. Print. Please see the most up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and new or updated recommendations for RSV , Influenza, pneumococcal, polio, and Mpox vaccines. These have been adopted by the CDC Director and are official. Pregnant women who are at increased risk for serogroup A, C, W, or Y meningococcal disease may get MenACWY vaccines. Pregnant or breastfeeding women who are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease may get MenB vaccines. However, they should talk with a doctor to decide if the benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks ...Herpes meningoencephalitis is an infection of the brain and brain covering (meninges) caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, seizures, and changes in mood, personality, or ...Sep 17, 2019 · Summary. Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis. You get it when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. Stiff neck. Other symptoms that can occur with this disease: Agitation. Bulging fontanelles in babies. Decreased alertness. Poor feeding or irritability in children. Rapid breathing. Unusual posture, with the head and neck arched backward (opisthotonos) You cannot tell if you have bacterial or viral meningitis by how you feel.Viral (aseptic) meningitis. Although very rare, a small number of people with HFMD get viral meningitis. It causes fever, headache, stiff neck, or back pain and may require the infected person to be hospitalized for a few days. Learn more about Viral Meningitis. Encephalitis or paralysisBacterial meningitis is a devastating infection associated with high mortality and morbidity in the neonatal population. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieving good outcomes in affected infants. While overall incidence and mortality have declined over the last several decades, morbidity associated with neonatal meningitis ...Meningitis is a disease caused by an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It's usually caused by a virus, although it can be caused by bacteria, a fungus, or tuberculosis. Treatment for meningitis depends on the specific cause of the disease. Vaccinations can prevent or minimize the incidence of ...Encephalitis also may cause changes in sight or hearing. Most people with infectious encephalitis have flu-like symptoms, such as: Headache. Fever. Aches in muscles or joints. Fatigue or weakness. Typically, these are followed by more-severe symptoms over a period of hours to days, such as: Stiff neck.Early symptoms will be similar to the flu, and they can develop over a matter of hours or even days. Symptoms include: sudden high fever. stiff neck. severe headache. nausea or vomiting. confusion ...Your baby can get meningitis when bacteria, viruses, or a fungus infecting another part of their body travels in the bloodstream to their brain and spinal cord. Out of 1,000 live births,...Among adults 60 years of age and older, the more common signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus are: Loss of bladder control or a frequent urge to urinate. Memory loss. Progressive loss of other thinking or reasoning skills. Difficulty walking, often described as a shuffling gait or the feeling of the feet being stuck. Extreme fatigue. Irritability. Blue color to the skin. Babies with group B strep bacteria could get serious complications like these: Pneumonia -- a lung infection. Meningitis -- inflammation in ...The MMR vaccine is very safe. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as: the area where the needle goes in looking red, swollen and feeling sore for 2 to 3 days; around 7 to 11 days after the injection, babies or young children may feel a bit unwell or develop a high temperature for about 2 or 3 daysYounger kids will need a vaccine if they're at a greater risk of getting meningitis because they: Have complement component deficiency, a rare immune system disease. Have spleen damage or had ... In infants, illness caused by group B strep can be within six hours of birth (early onset) — or weeks or months after birth (late onset). Signs and symptoms might include: Fever. Low body temperature. Difficulty feeding. Sluggishness, limpness or weak muscle tone. Difficulty breathing. Irritability. Jitteriness.Oct 13, 2021 · Herpes meningitis is a type of viral meningitis resulting from infection with a herpes virus. Three types of herpes virus can cause HM: herpes simplex virus 1, herpes simplex virus 2, and ... The baby was born with Apgar scores of 6 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. Her birth weight was 2.8 kg with a head circumference of 43.5 cm (>99th percentile). Her exam was notable for macrocephaly with bulging fontanelles, large bilateral cleft lip/palate, nasal encephalocele, and bilateral microphthalmia.Side effects linked to the vaccines are usually mild and tend to go away within a few days. Herd immunity is unlikely to prevent meningitis, so it is essential that people get vaccinated and have ...Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning ( sepsis) and result in permanent damage ... purple-red skin rash or bruising. pale or blotchy skin. seizures (fits) The most common symptoms of meningitis in older children and adults are: fever. sensitivity to light. very bad headache and stiff or sore neck. nausea or vomiting and loss of appetite. tiredness and drowsiness. Aug 17, 2021 · Abstract. Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in infants. Rates of GBS early onset disease have declined following the widcespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; hence, late-onset infections (LOGBS) are currently a common presentation of neonatal GBS dicsease. Abstract. Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection remains a leading cause of sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis in infants. Rates of GBS early onset disease have declined following the widcespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; hence, late-onset infections (LOGBS) are currently a common presentation of neonatal GBS dicsease.The most common causes of bacterial meningitis among babies younger than 2 months of age are group B Streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli .Children can develop meningitis from close contact with a person who has the infection or through surfaces and inanimate objects infected with the germ that causes meningitis. A simple cold or...Feb 26, 2018 · Protecting newborns Seeing a doctor Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the meninges, which protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is most often caused by a virus or... Disease can be localized to skin, eye and mouth (SEM disease), involve the central nervous system (CNS) or manifest as disseminated infection involving multiple organs. Most surviving infants in the latter two categories have neurological sequelae, and the mortality rate in the absence of therapy is very high (80%) for babies in the latter ...Side effects linked to the vaccines are usually mild and tend to go away within a few days. Herd immunity is unlikely to prevent meningitis, so it is essential that people get vaccinated and have ...Bacterial meningitis is a devastating infection associated with high mortality and morbidity in the neonatal population. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieving good outcomes in affected infants. While overall incidence and mortality have declined over the last several decades, morbidity associated with neonatal meningitis ...May 18, 2023 · In many cases, they are harmless. Bacterial meningitis occurs when these bacteria get in your bloodstream and travel to your brain and spinal cord to start an infection. Most bacteria that cause ... Dec 30, 2022 · Specific Immunization Reactions. Pain or swelling at the shot site for 1 to 2 days. (20% of children) Mild fever lasting 1 to 3 days begins 14 to 28 days after the shot (10%). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever over 102° F (39°C). Never give aspirin for fever, pain or within 6 weeks of getting the shot. Meningitis is an inflammation of the thin membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. It is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid. A fungus or parasite may also cause meningitis. Meningitis caused by a virus is more common and usually less severe. Older children and adolescents have a stiff neck with a fever, headache, and confusion, and newborns and young infants are usually irritable, stop eating, vomit, or have other symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the results of a spinal tap and blood and urine tests. Some children die of meningitis even after receiving appropriate treatment.Spinal meningitis is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord due to an infection. Types of meningitis include viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, amoebic, and noninfectious. Symptoms typically include headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Treatment depends on the type of meningitis but can include antibiotics, pain relievers, or hospitalization.Jun 21, 2021 · through feces, saliva, nasal mucus, sputum, and blister fluid. Epstein-Barr virus: This virus can spread. Trusted Source. through bodily fluids such as saliva. A person can also get it after organ ... Babies are at high risk of bacterial meningitis and often have symptoms that mimic other illnesses. Parents should be on the lookout for meningitis symptoms such as high fever, stiff neck, rigid extremities, vomiting, diarrhea, or a skin rash with lots of pinpoint-sized dots ( petechiae ) that are associated with invasive meningococcal disease .Extreme fatigue. Irritability. Blue color to the skin. Babies with group B strep bacteria could get serious complications like these: Pneumonia -- a lung infection. Meningitis -- inflammation in ...May 11, 2009 · Meningitis is characterized by inflammation of the membranes (meninges) around the brain or spinal cord. Inflammation can begin suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (subacute). Major symptoms may include fever, headache, and a stiff neck, sometimes with aching muscles. Nausea, vomiting and other symptoms may occur. View Full Report. Viral meningitis (when meningitis is caused by a virus) is the most common type of meningitis. Most people get better on their own without treatment. However, anyone with symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor right away because any type of meningitis can be serious. Only a doctor can determine if someone has meningitis, what is causing it ...In infants, meningitis symptoms may include: High fever. Crying that’s constant and gets louder when you hold the baby. Baby seems overly sleepy, sluggish, or inactive. Stiff neck or body. Bulge ...
Protecting newborns Seeing a doctor Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the meninges, which protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is most often caused by a virus or.... Howie voigt
Sep 17, 2019 · Summary. Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis. You get it when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. Summary. Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis. You get it when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly.Dec 22, 2022 · It might surprise you how quickly your baby is picking up new skills. Infant development milestones for a 7- to 9-month-old include sitting, standing and laughing. As your baby becomes more mobile and curious, infant development takes off. It might seem that your baby learns something new every day. Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include: a high temperature. cold hands and feet. vomiting. confusion. breathing quickly. muscle and joint pain. pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)Meningitis is a disease caused by an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It's usually caused by a virus, although it can be caused by bacteria, a fungus, or tuberculosis. Treatment for meningitis depends on the specific cause of the disease. Vaccinations can prevent or minimize the incidence of ... Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning ( sepsis) and result in permanent damage ... Trust your instincts and do not wait for all the symptoms to appear or until a rash develops. Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include: a high temperature. cold hands and feet. vomiting. confusion. breathing quickly. muscle and joint pain. pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)Infants with meningitis can have a variety of symptoms, including: a fever. shivering. a stiff neck. arching of the back. cold hands and feet. turning away from light. excessive irritability, such ...Viral meningitis is an infection of the membranes (linings) that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms and infectious periods vary depending on the virus responsible. Most people recover from viral meningitis. This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care.Disease can be localized to skin, eye and mouth (SEM disease), involve the central nervous system (CNS) or manifest as disseminated infection involving multiple organs. Most surviving infants in the latter two categories have neurological sequelae, and the mortality rate in the absence of therapy is very high (80%) for babies in the latter ...How meningitis is spread. The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing. coughing. kissing. The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but are not ill themselves. The infection can also be spread by someone with meningitis, although this is less common..