The Scary Truth
Scientists have found that rates of meningococcal meningitis infection peak between the ages of 15 and 25.
-Lifestyle factors can increase the risk of contracting the disease:
-Crowded living situations (especially in residence halls).
-Active or passive smoking.
-Irregular sleep patterns (disrupt immune function).
-Sharing of personal belongings and/or food and drink.
-The American College Health Association (ACHA) recommends vaccination against bacterial meningococcal meningitis for all students living in residence halls.
-Vaccination is required on some campuses.
-Be sure you avoid the above behaviors when possible.
What is scariest of all, is that college students have already died from meningococcal meningitis, and the lives of many more have been severely altered.
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