One of the things that makes meningococcal disease so potentially dangerous is that it comes on very quickly — often in a matter of hours. Many times, it seems like the flu or another common illness.² Because of this, many people do not get the treatment they need until the disease has gotten much worse.

When it comes to treating meningitis, speed is essential.² Knowing what to look for can help you fight back sooner. Here are some of the symptoms to watch for. Remember, a person with meningococcal disease might not have all of these symptoms or have them all at the same time.^2,6,8,9

Treatment and vaccination

Meningitis is treated with high doses of intravenous antibiotic drugs. These are not always successful in preventing the worst that meningitis can cause – death, brain damage, loss of limbs, and more.^2,6

Most cases of meningitis in the United States (as many as 83 percent in adolescents and young adults) could be prevented by a single vaccination.³ Ask your child’s health-care provider about how to protect your child.