John Grimes was a 19-year-old Sophomore in college when he contracted the illness. It took his sight but not his spirit.
SAN ANTONIO — When kids go off to college many live in dorms with close quarters. Living in that kind of environment makes illnesses spread more easily, especially when it comes to meningitis.
There are two kinds of meningitis: viral and bacterial. Bacterial meningitis is much harder for both the body and antibiotics to fight, so the long-term complications and risk of death is much higher.
“Like most teenagers I felt like I was ten feet tall and bulletproof. Then I got sick with what I thought was probably the flu or something,” said John Grimes, who was 19-years-old and a sophomore in college. His illness wasn’t as mild as he thought. It was bacterial meningitis.
“I woke up eight days later in the hospital, blind, disoriented, and more than just a little lucky to be alive,” said Grimes.
“The bacteria that spreads meningitis, can be contracted through common behaviors so kissing, coughing, sharing drinks, utensils, living in close quarters,” said Pediatrician Dr. Aprel Barnes.
The World Health Organization says common symptoms of meningitis include fever, neck stiffness, confusion or altered mental status, headache, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting.
“We always recommend talking to your physician about what your risk factors are, and even if you’re eligible for those vaccinations,” said Dr. Barnes.
The National Meningitis Foundation says up to 1,000 people in the U.S. contract meningitis every year. About one in six people die from the disease.
Of those who survive, one in five live with permanent disabilities. And one in five teens have not received the meningitis vaccine.
Grimes says to avoid permanent disability, get the vaccine.
“I’ve not been vaccinated for meningitis, which is why I’m so passionate about trying to spread awareness, so things like this don’t happen to other people,” said Grimes.