LIFESTYLE NEWS - Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. It is often less severe than bacterial meningitis, and most people usually get better on their own (without treatment).
However, infants younger than one month old and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.
Non-polio enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis, especially from summer to autumn when these viruses spread most often. However, only a small number of people who get infected with enteroviruses will actually develop meningitis.
You can get viral meningitis at any age.
However, some people have a higher risk of getting the disease, including:
- Children younger than five years old
- People with weakened immune systems caused by diseases, medications (such as chemotherapy) and recent organ or bone marrow transplants
- If you have close contact with a person who has viral meningitis, you may become infected with the virus that made that person sick. However, you are not likely to develop meningitis as a complication of the illness.
Most people with viral meningitis usually get better on their own within seven to
10 days.
Initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those for bacterial meningitis. However, bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can cause serious complications such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities.
It is very important to see a healthcare provider right away if you think you or your child might have meningitis; a doctor can determine if you have the disease, the type of meningitis and the best treatment. In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis.
Most people who get viral meningitis completely recover on their own within seven to 10 days. However, people with meningitis caused by certain viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza, may benefit from treatment with an antiviral medication. Antibiotics do not help viral infections, so they are not useful in the treatment of viral meningitis. However, antibiotics are very important when treating bacterial meningitis.
Infants and people with weakened immune systems who develop severe illness may need to be hospitalised.
(Source: CDC)
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