Meningitis is inflammation (aka swelling) of tissues called meninges that surround your brain and spinal cord. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can cause it. During college, your risk of bacterial meningitis goes up, especially if you live in a dorm. That's because the germs that cause the disease spread more easily in crowded spaces. Bacterial meningitis can make you seriously ill and can be life-threatening, so take some steps to protect yourself from it. That way, you can focus on crushing exams and having fun.

This is the best thing you can do to lower your risk of getting bacterial meningitis. Vaccines build up your body's defenses against infections. The MenACWY vaccine protects against the primary culprit (Neisseria meningitidis) for preteens/teens. The MenB vaccine adds protection against serogroup B, the most common cause of meningococcal disease in people ages 16 to 20. The MenABCWY vaccine combines the other two into one shot. If you've already gotten vaccinated, ask your doctor when you're due for a booster. See your college health center or health care provider if you’re unsure.

Think twice before you borrow your roommate's used towel or lip balm. Bacterial meningitis germs love to spread from person to person on items like these. So play it safe and don't share things like foods, drinks, straws, utensils, or toothbrushes with anyone else. The bacterium N. meningitidis can survive on surfaces including glass and plastic for up to eight days, depending on environmental conditions.

Meningitis germs also can spread through sneezing, coughing, and kissing. So try not to have close contact with someone who's sick. If you can't keep your distance from them, politely ask them to cover their mouth or nose when they cough or sneeze. If you feel sick, give others the same courtesy. Wash your hands often with soap and water, too, especially after stifling a sneeze or cough.

Whether you're tempted to smoke cigarettes or you feel pressured to do it, just know that it can raise your risk of getting bacterial meningitis. Even breathing in secondhand smoke can lower your body's defenses and make you more likely to get meningococcal disease, an illness that can lead to meningitis. So if friends, classmates, or a roommate smokes around you, think about politely asking them to do it somewhere else. Or go somewhere else if you can.

College is a great time to level up your health game, so you have the energy to take on schoolwork and a full social calendar. Healthy habits can also boost your body's defenses against bacterial meningitis. To feel your best, eat a balanced diet full of lean proteins, fruit, veggies, and whole grains. Move around each day, too – you could look for an on-campus gym, join a student group (for team sports or cardio), or ask your roommate to get in some daily steps with you. Also, try to get quality sleep each night.

In case you or someone you know gets sick, it's a good idea to learn the symptoms of bacterial meningitis. That way, you can see a doctor ASAP. Getting treatment right away helps you feel better and prevents dangerous health problems caused by meningitis. Bacterial meningitis symptoms tend to come on quickly. They can include a fever, flu-like symptoms, a stiff neck, headache, tiredness, confusion, feeling cranky, bruises or a rash on your skin, and discomfort from light or sunlight.

Health care professionals give you medicines called antibiotics for bacterial meningitis. You get those meds through a needle in a vein (IV). You might also need medicines called steroids to lower inflammation in your brain. If tests eventually narrow down the exact type of bacteria that caused your meningitis, you might get a different antibiotic that targets those germs. While you're resting up, ask your professors to extend assignment due dates or let you make up missed tests. That way, you can focus on making a full recovery.