How sharing a vape infected a teen with ‘brain-swelling bug’ that almost killed her; all about the condition – Times of India

An 18-year-old nearly died after sharing a vape with a friend during a night out which led to a life-threatening brain-swelling infection. Sian Alderton battled her life for several days and was put into a medically induced coma as her mother Kerrie Durrant prepared herself to say her goodbyes.
Alderton was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis after she stepped out with her pals in October for a night out.
“I’m not a heavy drinker and prefer the socialising of going out. I had three or four drinks,” she explained. I shared my vape with three mutual friends and this is not unusual as everyone shares vapes on a night out. I didn’t think anything of it because they were my friends,” she said.
However, the next day, she stated feeling sick and began vomiting after eating some Chinese food in the evening. Soon her body was covered with a rash which she her mom thought neither looked like chicken pox or insect bites, but was red and felt smooth to the skin.

When her mom held a glass against the spots, they did not disappear under pressure. When they reached the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, things got blurry for Sian. She was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis thereafter and placed into a medically induced coma for four days.
Doctor told her she could have got the bug either by sharing a drink, vaping or kissing somebody while she was out, but was not certain about the cause. While the teen was discharged in two weeks, bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening.

Here’s all you want to know about the condition:

According to John Hopkins Medicine, meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When these membranes are infected, they begin to swell and put pressure on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening issues. Meningitis symptoms can strike suddenly and gets worse quickly.
Bacterial meningitis is more common in infants younger than age 1 and people ages 16 to 21.

Symptoms of Meningitis

Painful, stiff neck with limited range of motion, headaches, high fever, feeling confused or sleepy, bruising easily all over the body, a rash on the skin, and sensitivity to light are among the signs of meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis can turn life threatening even with immediate treatment, and some may suffer from seizures, brain damage, hearing loss, and disability for the rest of their lives. Many people with this infection may die.

Prevention

Bacterial meningitis is preventable by vaccines. Children aged 11 to 12 routinely get vaccines for it. A booster shot is given at the age 16. It is important to ensure children’s vaccination to prevent its complications.