No specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time. Most patients completely recover on their own. The immune system, however, will produce antibodies to destroy the virus. Doctors often will recommend bed rest, relaxation, plenty of fluids, and medicine to relieve fever and headache.
Viral meningitis can usually be treated at home, with full recovery anywhere from two days to two weeks. While there are no medications that cure viral meningitis, you can relieve discomfort with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Your doctor will also recommend bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Because viral meningitis is contagious, patients should not resume normal activities until they have approval from their doctor.
Self-care tips
Seek medical treatment for yourself or your child as soon as you observe any symptoms of meningitis, especially high fever combined with headache, lethargy, and stiff neck. If you or your child has viral meningitis, you should wash your hands frequently to avoid passing the infection on to others. Do not share food or eating utensils, and avoid contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva.
Until it is known that a child has viral, not bacterial meningitis, he or she will be admitted to the hospital. But once the diagnosis of viral meningitis is made, antibiotics are stopped, and a child who is recovering satisfactorily will be sent home.
Only acetaminophen should be given to reduce fevers. Clear fluids and a bland diet including favorite foods should be offered.
During recovery, a child needs rest in a darkened, quiet room. Bright lights, noise and visitors may irritate a child with meningitis.
Increased pressure on the brain from buildup of fluid in the meninges is a serious complication.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
