Scientists think that smoking and heavy drinking impair the body's ability to fight infection.
College students are at greater risk for meningitis, because they tend to share glasses and live in close quarters. Overall, about 10 to 20 percent of people carry the bacteria that causes the type of meningitis most commonly found in college students. One expert told NBC News that binge drinking preceded the majority of meningitis cases that he's seen. To find out, click here . All rights reserved.