Meningococcal bacteria are a common cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis in both children and adults. These bacteria are present in saliva, nasal, and throat secretions, spreading through close contact such as hugging, kissing, coughing, and talking. Healthy carriers can also transmit the disease; the community carrier rate is around 5% to 25%, with higher rates among adolescents. When immunity is reduced or the respiratory lining is damaged, the bacteria can easily bypass protective barriers and cause illness.

A study published in the British Medical Journal indicates that kissing multiple partners increases the risk of meningococcal meningitis fourfold in adolescents.

Meningococcal disease begins with sudden symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, a stiff neck, altered consciousness ranging from drowsiness to coma, and a characteristic purpuric rash. Without early detection and treatment, patients can die within 24 hours. Even with successful treatment, about 20% of patients may experience severe sequelae, including deafness, paralysis, neurological developmental delay, and limb amputation.

Meningococcal bacteria are proven to spread through hugging, kissing, talking, sneezing... Illustration: Vecteezy

To prevent the disease, you should remind your son to wash his hands frequently, wear a mask in crowded places, maintain personal hygiene, avoid sharing items easily contaminated with saliva or nasal and throat secretions, and avoid close contact with individuals who have a fever, cough, sore throat, or are suspected of having the disease. Children should also maintain a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and appropriate exercise to boost their immunity.

During adolescence, it is difficult for children to avoid social gatherings or experiencing their first kiss, making absolute prevention impractical. Therefore, the most proactive measure is vaccination. Vietnam currently offers vaccines that protect against 5 common meningococcal serogroups: A, B, C, Y, and W.

Specifically, the serogroup B vaccine is administered from two months to 50 years of age, and the serogroup BC vaccine from six months to 45 years. Vaccines for serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135 are available for individuals from six weeks of age to adults with no age limit. Your 17-year-old son should receive two types of vaccines to ensure protection against all 5 serogroups capable of causing severe illness.

Doctor Bui Cong Su

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

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