Ask:

I’m scared to death of meningitis. My three year old daughter was vaccinated against meningitis C last December but according to our GP the most common and deadly type is meningitis B. However, the vaccine for this is not available in the UK, apparently because it is too expensive. Please could you give me some advice?

Answer:

The brain is full of highly specialized and very delicate soft cells. They are protected by the skull, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, and by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a saline solution filled with glucose, oxygen, and some white blood cells. There is also the blood-brain barrier that protects the brain from chemical damage. Sometimes, however, it cannot perform this role due to the large amount of toxins.

The meninges are the membranes that cover the brain, which are filled with blood vessels. Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. There are two causes of meningitis: viruses and bacteria. Viral meningitis is debilitating but not as serious as bacterial meningitis, which is less common but can be fatal. The most common causes of meningitis in children are two bacteria: Hoemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis. N. meningitidis, which causes meningococcal meningitis, is the most common type, accounting for about half of the cases in the UK. Most children under the age of six with meningitis used to be affected by H. influenzae type B (Hib), but after Hib vaccination was introduced in 1992, this strain became rare. NA, B and C meningitis are the most common here. Outbreaks are usually caused by N. meningitidis type A or C.

I do not administer vaccines, but have been told by the Meningitis Trust (see below) and the Department of Health that, contrary to what your doctor appears to have said, effective vaccines against N. meningitidis type B are still a few years away. against N. meningitidis type C and Hib is routine in the childhood immunization schedule. (A Hib booster shot has just been introduced for children between the ages of six months and four years.)

Bacteria are highly toxic. They attack the nasal tract and invade the bloodstream. Its main target is the brain. When they reach the blood-brain barrier, they destroy the defense system, enter the CSF and attack brain cells. As the infection spreads, the fluid becomes pus-like, with white blood cells, protein, and extra fluid all trying to fight off the infection. Because the brain is affected, the patient presents with all kinds of neurological symptoms, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, seizures, cramps, blurred vision, loss of feeling in the body, and even coma. Victims may have Bell’s palsy and/or severe stiffness of the neck muscles. Because it is a toxic infection, the temperature soars and red spots with small spots of dead tissue in the center appear on the body two to three days after the infection takes hold.

Doctors diagnose meningitis by testing cerebrospinal fluid and possibly blood cultures. This is a dangerous infection and there is no alternative cure. If there is any suspicion of meningitis, a doctor should be consulted immediately and antibiotic therapy administered if necessary.

However, I always recommend that parents improve their children’s chances against all diseases, including meningitis, by keeping them healthy and strengthening their immune system.

Here are my suggestions

* Do not let children get tired; put them to bed early each night and avoid excessive use of television and computer.

* Children should eat carrots, celery, and cucumber regularly, but citrus fruits (or juices) should be eaten only as occasional treats.

* Teach children to avoid foods that contain yeast (particularly pizza and bread) and excess sugar (sweets, ice cream, chocolate, cakes, cookies, etc.). These make them bloated and hyperactive so they can fire easily.

* Make sure they have good quality protein, including (boiled) eggs, fish, poultry and meat (preferably all organic) to stimulate growth.

* Massage children at bedtime with Junior Massage Oil to increase their energy; make your own with a tablespoon of sweet almond oil and four drops each of eucalyptus, lavender, ginger, and juniper essential oils.

* Give children Vitasorb Multivitamins, six drops a day, and Nutrisorb Liquid Trace Minerals, one or two drops a day, on a three-month cycle, then one month off.

* Give children three years and older the energy-boosting herbal supplement Bioprash three times a week: one teaspoon with one teaspoon of manuka honey and a little water. The symptoms are described in full on the Meningitis Trust website, or call their 24-hour helpline on 0845 6000 800.