Book Review: ‘Need to know: Meningitis’. Routh, Kristina (2004). London, Heinemann Library, Harcourt Education Ltd

Abstract

Meningitis provides a basic and simple understanding of the history of the disease, who is most at risk and why, causes and types of the disease (bacterial and viral), and how the disease is spread. The book uses case studies to illustrate the identification of meningitis, co-morbid conditions, and diagnostic patterns. Signs and symptoms are described in detail along with the progression and natural history of the disease with emphasis on the need for rapid identification, diagnosis, and intervention. Vaccination options (availability for types of meningitis and the development of future vaccines) are outlined along with strategies and treatments (e.g. prophylactic administration) for the prevention of the spread of the disease. Decreasing the risk of contracting the disease in easily implemented strategies for groups, families and individuals, for example personal hygiene strategies, pet handling, early identification of symptoms for prompt emergency treatment, and receiving the vaccinations currently available are simply addressed. Explanations of the expected actions and events on admission to hospital and what to expect after the illness are also addressed. The emotional effects as well as the psychological effects are highlighted and a section on living with the consequences of the disease gives the reader an understanding from a personal empathetic perspective.