ĐỪNG NGHĨ CHỈ LÀ CẢM SỐT THÔNG THƯỜNG… VÌ VIÊM NÃO MÔ CẦU CÓ THỂ DIỄN TIẾN RẤT NHANH VÀ NGUY HIỂM

DON’T ASSUME IT’S JUST A COMMON FEVER… MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE CAN BECOME LIFE-THREATENING IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS

Many people believe that fever, headache, or fatigue are simply signs of a common flu and will go away after a few days of rest. However, with meningococcal disease, delayed recognition and treatment can lead to severe consequences, even death, within a very short time.

Meningococcal disease is a serious infectious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria. It spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets during close contact, talking, coughing, or sneezing. One of the most dangerous aspects of the disease is that its early symptoms are often very similar to those of the common flu, making it easy to overlook.

Early Symptoms Often Mistaken for the Flu

People with meningococcal disease may initially experience:

• High fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat

However, the disease can quickly progress and lead to severe complications such as:

• Meningitis
• Septicemia (bloodstream infection)
• Multiple organ failure
• Rapid death if emergency treatment is delayed

In some cases, the condition can become critical in less than 24 hours after the first symptoms appear.

Serious Long-Term Complications

Even when patients survive, meningococcal disease may leave lifelong complications, including:

• Hearing loss
• Neurological damage
• Developmental delays
• Limb necrosis and amputation

These complications can have a profound impact on both the patient and their family.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Medical experts advise seeking prompt medical care if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Sudden high fever of 39–41°C
• Severe headache with vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Drowsiness or seizures
• Purple or star-shaped rash / bruising on the skin
• Infants refusing to feed, bulging fontanelle, excessive sleepiness

In particular, a hemorrhagic rash on the skin may be a “red flag” indicating that the disease is rapidly becoming life-threatening.

Prevention Is Possible – The Key Is Not to Be Careless

Although dangerous, meningococcal disease can be prevented through simple measures:

• Get vaccinated fully and on schedule
• Wash hands regularly and maintain personal hygiene
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Keep living spaces clean and well ventilated
• Avoid close contact with suspected infected individuals
• Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are suspected

Sometimes, the greatest danger is not only the disease itself, but the thought: “It’s probably nothing serious.”

Protect yourself, your family, and your community by staying informed and seeking timely medical care when unusual symptoms appear.

Contact Information

TNH Hospital Group

☎️ 1900 8035

🌐 TNH Hospital

Hospital System

• TNH Viet Yen Hospital – Nguyen The Nho Street, Viet Yen Ward, Bac Ninh
• TNH Pho Yen Hospital – Tran Nguyen Han Street, Chua Residential Area, Van Xuan Ward, Thai Nguyen
• TNH Lang Son Hospital – 189 Ben Bac Street, Tam Thanh Ward, Lang Son
• Thai Nguyen International Hospital – No. 328 Luong Ngoc Quyen Street, Phan Dinh Phung Ward, Thai Nguyen