Collegians may be at greater risk for meningitis

Editor's note: CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers medical questions submitted by e-mail on "Your Health," which airs at 2:30 p.m. EDT Saturdays. Questions and answers are posted on CNN.com after the show.

Q: How serious is the meningitis threat at colleges? -- Erin in Syracuse, New York.

A: College students can be at a significantly increased risk for bacterial meningitis.

In fact, freshmen living in dorms may face a greater threat, with nearly a six-fold increased risk over other college students, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The bacteria most common among college students is called meningococcus and is spread through bodily fluid contact.

It is a serious illness that requires immediate care.

Symptoms such as headache, sensitivity to lights and a stiff neck are signs to look for, and antibiotics are the usual treatment.

Q: How curable is tuberculosis, and what are some medications used to treat this disease? -- Chameera in Sri Lanka

A: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that commonly affects the lungs and is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis.

This tough, resistant bacterium is difficult to kill.

It can lie dormant in the body for decades and be reactivated when the body's resistance is lowered.

The bacteria can be killed using medications such as isoniazid, rifampin and in more serious cases, ethambutol.

Even more important than treatment is prevention.

Hand washing and gloves should be used if coming in contact with an infected patient, and immediate testing should be performed if there's a possibility of exposure.

"Ask Dr. Gupta" is not intended to address specific questions concerning individual cases. CNN does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or provide medical advice, and nothing contained in the responses of CNN through its correspondents is a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always contact your doctor if you need medical advice or treatment, or have any questions regarding a medical condition.