Is your child
at risk for meningitis?
E-mail
Link To
Share
Print
Age Plays a Part
They may not know it, but teenagers and young adults are at greater risk for getting meningococcal disease (meningitis) and are more likely to die compared to younger age groups.1,6
In fact, about 10% of the 1000 to 2600 Americans who get meningococcal meningitis each year will die. Death rates are up to 5 times higher among teenagers and young adults (15 through 24 years of age) compared to other age groups.1,6,9
Lifestyle Is Key
Certain lifestyle factors are thought to put healthy preteens and teens at greater risk for meningitis infection, including:1,2,6
- Sharing drinking glasses, eating utensils, or water bottles
- Being in crowded situations for prolonged periods of time
- Kissing
- Not getting enough sleep
- Smoking (or being exposed to smoke)
- Living in close quarters (eg, dormitories, boarding schools, sleep away camps)
Next: Vaccination