INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Csilla Orban Bonacci

Discussion Main Post

My article is from the CDC-Meningococcal Outbreaks

There is an outbreak of meningitis in Florida among gay and bisexual men currently. In response to this outbreak, the CDC is advising all gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated to prevent them from getting the disease (CDC, 2022). Also, they advise travelers to Florida to take the vaccine before going. 

Meningitis is mainly transmitted through close contact, but that is not necessarily through sex, but even just sneezing or coughing, or touching an object they share. Gay men particularly are prone to develop meningitis because many live with HIV and which suppresses the immune system and therefore, the disease can become deadly for them ( Gonzalez H., 2022). Hispanic men are more likely to get meningitis and they are less likely to get vaccinated due to a lack of funds and insurance. The vaccine is not dangerous, but many are scared to get it (CHPRC, 2017) for fear of how the vaccine might affect them later. 

The disease is re-emerging due to a high influx of immigrants, travelers, vacationers, and crowds. The weather is warm and more people hang out at Disney and restaurants.  Also, lack of hygiene is causing the disease to spread more. 

 

As a future nurse practitioner, I would be worried that this disease will spread to other people as well, not just gay or bisexual men but also children, mothers, and other men and women. This is where the nurse's role is to educate patients about coming in and getting vaccinated by letting them know that the vaccine does not have dangerous side effects usually and that the benefits outweigh the risk. Educating the public to wash hands, avoid big crowds, not touch one's face and mouth after touching public doors, etc. would be something to do as a nurse. Also, letting them know that there are programs they can apply to help with costs can encourage many to get vaccinated. Also, teaching them to avoid sick people and not make unhealthy choices would be something I would advocate for. 

Letting them know how dangerous the disease is is a must. The seriousness of the disease must be emphasized to personnel and patients alike. 

 

References

   

 

    *California HIV/AIDS Policy Research Centers.  WHY AREN’T GAY MEN GETTING A MENINGITIS VACCINATION? 2017. https://www.chprc.org/news/why-arent-gay-men-getting-a-meningitis-vaccination/

*CDC. Meningococcal Outbreaks. 2022.  https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/outbreaks/FL2022.htmlLinks to an external site.

*Hersi K, Gonzalez FJ, Kondamudi NP, et al. Meningitis (Nursing) [Updated 2022 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568762/