Viruses: a common cause
When meningitis is caused by a virus, it’s called viral meningitis Although the symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are initially similar, these diseases are very different.
How does viral meningitis differ from bacterial meningitis?
- Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis
—Viral meningitis accounts for an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 cases in the United States each year, compared with about 5,800 cases of bacterial meningitis
—During an 11-year period in the United States, viral meningitis accounted for approximately 434,000 hospitalizations
- People with viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days—without treatment
- Symptoms of viral meningitis may develop over a few days, while symptoms of bacterial meningitis often develop more quickly, in a matter of 24 hours or less
- Viral meningitis does not respond to antibiotics. In healthy people, the body’s immune system recovers from viral meningitis without any antibiotic treatment
How can you catch it?
Viral meningitis is most often spread through direct contact with the saliva or nasal mucus of an infected person. The virus can often also be found in the stool of people who are infected. It makes sense to wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and to avoid sharing everyday items that can be contaminated by mucus and saliva. These may include glasses, utensils, and water bottles.
How do you know you have it?
Viral meningitis can initially resemble the flu. Symptoms can develop over a few days and include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sore throat, sensitivity to light, drowsiness or confusion, and nausea and/or vomiting. In fact, the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis can seem the same.
If you are sent to a hospital due to symptoms of meningitis, a spinal tap may be done to make a firm diagnosis. At times, the symptoms of viral meningitis (such as severe headache and confusion) may resemble those of a brain tumor or stroke. To rule out those conditions, a CT (computed tomography) scan may be done.
If you are sent to a hospital due to symptoms of meningitis, a spinal tap may be done to make a firm diagnosis. At times, the symptoms of viral meningitis (such as severe headache and confusion) may resemble those of a brain tumor or stroke. To rule out those conditions, a CT (computed tomography) scan
How is it treated?
Viruses do not respond to antibiotics. IV (intravenous tube) fluids and medications may be given to people with viral meningitis when necessary. Most people recover in about 7 to 10 days—without antibiotic treatment. Your doctor can determine a plan for recovery that's right for you.
