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How Is Meningitis Spread Through Coughing?
Question: Hi.
Tonight someone repeatedly coughed about 6 inches away from my son's face. They were not sick but ever since i learned that meningitis can be spread by asymptomatic people, ive been paranoid about it. Hes had the HIB and pneumoccocal vaccines, but is too young for the meningococcal vaccine. Ive read that meningococcal can spread by coughing or sneezing in someone's face... Would 6 inches away be considered on his face? Would that be close enough to transmit possible meningococcal bacteria?
His pacifier was in his mouth, so his mouth was covered... But im worried the bacteria couldve entered his nose.
Tonight someone repeatedly coughed about 6 inches away from my son's face. They were not sick but ever since i learned that meningitis can be spread by asymptomatic people, ive been paranoid about it. Hes had the HIB and pneumoccocal vaccines, but is too young for the meningococcal vaccine. Ive read that meningococcal can spread by coughing or sneezing in someone's face... Would 6 inches away be considered on his face? Would that be close enough to transmit possible meningococcal bacteria?
His pacifier was in his mouth, so his mouth was covered... But im worried the bacteria couldve entered his nose.
Brief Answer:
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on your description, it's very difficult to predict exactly whether transmission occured or not. 6 inches is considered as close contact. There is no need for any prophylactic measures as evidence for transmission is inconclusive. Wait and observe would be the way to go now. The person who coughed can be examined for possible infectious cause.
let me know if you have any query
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Dr M.S Khalil.
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on your description, it's very difficult to predict exactly whether transmission occured or not. 6 inches is considered as close contact. There is no need for any prophylactic measures as evidence for transmission is inconclusive. Wait and observe would be the way to go now. The person who coughed can be examined for possible infectious cause.
let me know if you have any query
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Dr M.S Khalil.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Can you please explain how meningitis is spread through coughing? I remember reading somewhere a while ago that its not as airborne as cold and flu viruses. Ive read that the bacteria dont travel very far. Have there been studies on how far this bacteria travels when someone coughs He may have been a little farther than 6 inches away but no more than a foot. ?
Brief Answer:
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
As I explained previously, transmission is possible especially for organisms with respiratory route including meningococcal and pneumococal meningitis.
However it can't be determined based on the history whether actual transmission took placentre or not.
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
As I explained previously, transmission is possible especially for organisms with respiratory route including meningococcal and pneumococal meningitis.
However it can't be determined based on the history whether actual transmission took placentre or not.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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