Infants and patients with weakened immune systems can develop severe illness from viral meningitis and may require hospitalization. The best way to protect against bacterial meningitis , especially in children, is through vaccination. In addition, those in close contact with family members or others who are infected can take antibiotics to help prevent its spread. In addition, general healthy living habits — such as getting plenty of rest, not smoking and avoiding contact with patients who are infected — are also helpful.
There are no vaccines that protect against the most common cause of viral meningiti s, non-polio enteroviruses. However, common practices to limit the spread of disease include frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and staying home when sick.
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Inflammation of the meninges, or meningitis, is most often caused by an infection, but can be caused by other things such as medications or other medical conditions. Meningitis that is caused by an infection is normally caused by either a bacteria or a virus. This blog will explain the main differences between the two. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis in adults and older children.
It can be caused by many different viruses, but the most common are the herpes simplex virus normally the same type of virus that causes genital herpes , the chickenpox or shingles virus also known as varicella zoster virus , and the enterovirus. Out of these, enteroviruses are the most common. The MRF fact sheet on viral meningitis provides more information about these different types. Viral meningitis presents with similar symptoms to bacterial meningitis such as fever, headache, dislike of lights and neck stiffness.
It can present with a rash, but this is normally quite different to the rash seen in bacterial meningitis with meningococcal disease. Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral, but it can still happen to anyone of any age. Many different bacteria can cause meningitis but the most common worldwide are meningococcal, pneumoccocal, Haemophilus influenzae. Bacterial meningitis can occur alongside sepsis , which is the more life threatening form of the disease and often involves the bacteria invading the blood as well.
Sepsis can occur with or without bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis and sepsis are serious, life threatening illnesses. The first symptoms are often non-specific and include fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell.
Limb pain, pale skin, and cold hands and feet often appear earlier than the rash, neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights and confusion. How can you tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis? To determine whether a person is suffering from viral or bacterial meningitis, doctors will have to perform a lumbar puncture.
Types and causes of meningitis. The facts Thousands of cases occur every year Anyone can get viral meningitis but it is most common in babies and young children Viral meningitis symptoms can be similar to those of bacterial meningitis , so it is essential to seek urgent medical help if concerned Many different viruses can cause meningitis - enteroviruses are the most common cause Is viral meningitis contagious?
It is not generally considered to be contagious; contact with someone who has the illness does not usually increase the risk of disease to others. Linked cases of viral meningitis are extremely unusual and almost all cases occur alone There is no specific treatment for most cases of viral meningitis. Patients need to be hydrated with fluids, given painkillers and allowed to rest in order to recover.
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. However, in some instances, antibiotics may be started on admission to hospital because the cause of meningitis is not known. Antibiotics are usually discontinued once diagnosed Although most people will make a full recovery, the recovery process can be slow. Prior to the use of this vaccine, mumps was a common cause of viral in children For the full facts, download our free viral meningitis fact sheet.
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