Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common type of the disease, and for some can cause life-changing after-effects

The facts about viral meningitis

• It is estimated that there are thousands of cases each year in the UK
• 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
• 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 until the cause of meningitis is identified. Antibiotics are usually discontinued once viral meningitis is diagnosed
• Although most people will make a full recovery, the recovery process can be slow. Some can be left with life-changing after-effects
• After-effects can include headaches, exhaustion and memory loss
• Although there aren’t vaccines to prevent most cases, the MMR vaccine, which is given as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule, protects against measles, mumps and rubella viral infections. Prior to the use of this vaccine, mumps was a common cause of viral meningitis in children

Causes of viral meningitis

Many different viruses can cause meningitis; the most common are a group called enteroviruses. These viruses live in the intestines and can commonly cause colds, sore throats, stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Only rarely do these viruses spread through the body to the meninges and cause meningitis.

Other viruses that cause meningitis include mumps and measles. A MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) is available as part of the routine immunisation schedule to protect against meningitis caused by mumps and measles.

Mollaret’s meningitis is a recurrent form of meningitis – a rare condition believed to be caused in many cases by infection with a member of the herpes family of viruses.

Viral meningitis treatment

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, although, in some instances, antibiotics may be started on admission to hospital because the cause of meningitis is not known. Antibiotics are usually discontinued if viral meningitis is diagnosed.

It’s important to seek urgent medical help if you suspect meningitis of any type.

Although most people will make a full recovery, the recovery process can be slow. Some can be left with life-changing after-effects including headaches, exhaustion and memory loss.

Long term after-effects of viral meningitis

Long term after-effects of viral meningitis can include but are not limited to, headaches, exhaustion and memory loss. The after-effects of meningitis usually reflect damage to various areas of the brain. While the after-effects of viral meningitis are not usually as severe as those of bacterial meningitis, for some people, they can be long-lasting.

Whatever the after-effect, mild or severe, viral meningitis can change a person’s life forever. You are not alone, we are here for you. Get in touch today about how we can support you.