Diseases that affect us as adults are so much more emotionally draining and stressful when it has the potential to affect our children. One such disease is Meningitis, a disease that is caused by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms. In less frequent cases it can also be attributed to certain drugs. Meningitis is a condition considered as a medical emergency due to the inflammations proximity to the brain and spinal cord. In most cases it can be classified as life-threatening.

The most common symptoms of meningitis are headache and neck stiffness associated with fever, confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises. When Meningitis affects children, they often exhibit only nonspecific symptoms, such as irritability and drowsiness. When a rash is present, it may indicate a particular cause of meningitis; for instance, meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria may be accompanied by a characteristic rash.

Recent research has uncovered some pretty astounding results in regards to how little we really know, let alone understand about Meningitis. In a blogger survey, known as Meningitis Awareness Blogger Webinar held on April 23rd, the data was compiled from respondents and showed that 44% admitted to not being very familiar with meningitis. 1 in 5 parents do not know if their own children has been vaccinated against Meningitis and almost 10% of parents have not immunized their kids. Three quarters of those who responded said they were not aware of different strains of Meningitis and the majority (77%) did not know that the B strain has no current vaccine preventability.

I find it somewhat shocking that for the most part Meningitis is a preventable disease and is highly treatable. Having said that, I also feel that a better job must be done to educate families about Meningitis, both about the disease itself and the preventative measures that are available through your healthcare professionals.

Prevention is both behavioural as well as through vaccination. Protection against the contraction of Meningitis can be provided in the long term through vaccination, or in the short term with antibiotics. Some behavioural measures may also be very effective in reducing the risk of getting it, such as altering the behaviour that led to the transmission. Both bacterial and viral Meningitis are contagious; however, neither is as contagious as the common cold or flu. Both can be transmitted through droplets of respiratory secretions during close contact with others, such as, kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, but cannot be spread by only breathing the air where a person with Meningitis has been.

If we remember an old adage from our childhood, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." I think that, "better safe than sorry" may also apply. If we can make ourselves more aware of the causes of this condition, we can better prepare our family for the roads ahead should we contract Meningitis. If you have any questions about Meningitis or other sicknesses contact your Doctor, Hospital or Walk-in Clinic. Each is trained professionally on what symptoms to look for and how to treat the disease quickly and efficiently.

With the summer about to start, WonderMoms would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy time with the kids. As stressful and overwhelming as it may be to keep them occupied for a whole 2 months, I for one, wouldn't have it any other way, as I am a mother and its what we do.

Tamara has found success with her online website WonderMoms an extraordinary parenting resource where all parents are made to feel welcomed. If you want to be "in the know" then WonderMoms is the place for you. Her bubbling personality and passion for life shines through her everyday work. As a social media enthusiast Tamara has created an online community that has brought her a ROI of tenfold! Parents feel warmed by her knowledge and expertise and are impressed with the talent she displays as she shares WonderMoms with the world.