This affability is reflected in his feelings about his coworkers. They work under a lot of stress, and it is an honor and privilege to work with them. While meningococcal infections are most prevalent among children under age 5, they are becoming increasingly common among college-age students. Among this age group, college students living in dormitories appear to be at greatest risk, possibly because such crowded environments promote the spread of infectious disease. The germ that causes the infection is carried in the noses and throats of many individuals.
Many people are naturally immune but can still spread the germ.
It spreads in droplets from the nose or mouth, such as sneezing or coughing in a person s face, by kissing, sharing eating utensils, and sharing a toothbrush. Early symptoms of meningococcal disease are often mistaken for the flu. Symptoms can progress so quickly that it s often hard to obtain medical care before becoming very ill. Within hours of the onset of symptoms the disease can lead to shock and it may be rapidly fatal. Symptoms include high fever that prevents individuals from eating or sleeping, headache accompanied by a fever, inability to drink adequate fluids, and a stiff neck.