What is viral
meningitis?
Viral meningitis is an infection of the
meninges (the covering of the brain and spinal cord).
Children with meningitis often have sudden symptoms of
fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Children may also have
nausea, vomiting, and a worse headache when in a lighted
area. Sometimes infants with meningitis also have a bulging
fontanelle, irritable cry, and seizures. Meningitis can
resemble a bad case of the flu.
What causes
viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis can be caused by a direct
viral infection or from the spread of the virus from another
infection such as mumps or the flu.
What is a
spinal tap?
It is very important to determine whether a
virus or bacteria are causing the meningitis. While children
with viral meningitis usually get better without special
treatment, bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening. It
is for this reason that your child may need to undergo a
test called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
A lumbar puncture is a procedure in which a
hollow needle is inserted in the spinal canal in the lower
back to withdraw a small amount of spinal fluid. This
procedure is very safe. By examining the fluid, the doctor
can determine if the meningitis is viral or bacterial. A
blood culture may be done to try to find the bacteria
causing the infection.
How long will
the effects last?
Children with viral meningitis usually
recover without any problems. Since different viruses can
cause the illness, the length of time it takes a child to
feel better can vary from 2 days to 2 weeks. Headaches may
last from 1 to 2 weeks. You should notice a gradual
improvement.
How is it
treated?
Children with viral meningitis can often be
treated at home. There is no medication your child can take
to cure viral meningitis. (Antibiotics are not helpful.)
Your child will eventually get better on his or her own. You
can help your child at home by following these home care
instructions:
- Fluids
Encourage your child to drink clear
fluids. This will help avoid dehydration.
- Pain Control
Your child may need acetaminophen or
ibuprofen for his or her headache and body aches.
- Rest
Your child may feel better if he or she
lies down in a quiet place with dim lighting.
How can I help prevent it from spreading?
The virus causing the meningitis can be
passed from person to person. The length of time your child
will be contagious can be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks,
depending on the virus. Your doctor will let you know when
your child is no longer contagious and can return to normal
activities. Until then, you should follow these
precautionary measures:
- Wash your child's hands frequently.
- Wash your hands frequently and make
sure anyone who has contact with your child does the
same.
- Do not let family members share cups
or utensils.
- Avoid contact with saliva, such as by
kissing a child.
Talk with your health care provider about vaccines for
meningitis.
When should I
call my child's health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- You are unable to awaken your child.
- The headache or neck pain cannot be
controlled after 2 hours of ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Purple or blood-colored spots or dots
occur on the skin.
- Your child develops unsteady walking,
slurred speech, or acts confused.
- Your child has a seizure.
- Your child starts to act very sick.
- You or someone who has had contact
with your child develops symptoms of meningitis.
Call within 24 hours if:
- Your child is vomiting or refusing to
drink.
- You have other questions or concerns.
