Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and much less dangerous.
Although viral meningitis can make you feel very unwell, treatment is usually rest and pain killers and most people tend to make a full recovery within two-weeks without being admittted to hospital.
What causes viral meningitis?
Most of the viruses that cause meningitis live in the intestines and tend to be passed on as a result of poor hygiene. Many different viruses can cause viral meningitis, most commonly adenoviruses that normally live harmlessly in people's bowels. Mumps and measles viruses and herpes viruses can also cause the illness. However, many people exposed to such viruses do not go onto develop viral meningitis.
What are the symptoms and after-effects?
The symptoms for viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are very similar, but are usually milder with viral meningitis. However, in the early stages of the illness it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, so it is always best to seek medical advice in case urgent treatment is needed.
In a small number of cases, people who have suffered from viral meningitis may experience after-effects such as recurring headaches, exhaustion, deafness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), memory loss, lack of co-ordination or confusion.
The coxsackievirus, which is just one of the viruses that can cause meningitis
How can I protect myself and my family?
A good precaution to take to avoid catching viral meningitis is to always wash your hands thoroughly.
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