As the name implies, viral meningitis is a form of meningitis caused by a virus. It also happens to be the most common form of meningitis. Many different types of viruses can cause viral meningitis, including enteroviruses, Herpes viruses, mumps, measles, and more.
Most people who contract a form of viral meningitis recover within several weeks or months. However, some viruses that cause viral meningitis are more dangerous and debilitating than others. It’s important to see a medical professional immediately if you suspect you have viral meningitis. Only they can determine the type of virus causing your sickness and offer a treatment plan.
It’s easy to confuse viral meningitis with the common cold or flu because of how similar the symptoms are. However, one of the giveaways that you have viral meningitis as opposed to other conditions is that it usually lasts for a minimum of one week, while the cold and flu tend to be shorter. Here are some symptoms you’ll likely experience if you have viral meningitis.
Viral meningitis tends to be more dangerous for infants than it does for adults. While it often isn’t life-threatening, viral meningitis can cause serious discomfort and pain in new-borns. In severe cases where they don’t receive proper diagnosis and treatment, it can lead to other complications or even death.
Enteroviruses are the most common culprit when it comes to viruses that cause viral meningitis. In addition to enteroviruses, a few additional viruses can lead to viral meningitis.
While anyone can contract viral meningitis if they come into contact with these viruses, certain people are more at risk than others. Here are a few risk factors that could increase your chances of getting viral meningitis.
In general, new-borns, children under 5, and the elderly are more prone to viral meningitis. This is because they tend to have weaker immune systems.
Regardless of your age, you’re more prone to viral meningitis if you have a weak immune system. A weak immune system can result from related illnesses, chemotherapy, medications, or lifestyle choices.
Viruses tend to spread faster and more aggressively in highly populated areas. Therefore, if you live in a city or suburban area, you’re more at risk for contracting viral meningitis. Viral meningitis spreads through physical contact, saliva, and similar methods.
Unfortunately, because most people in South Africa don’t have access to immunizations, they aren’t a viable option. As a result, viral meningitis caused by measles, mumps, and other viruses is more common in South Africa than in many other parts of the world.
Viral meningitis isn’t particularly difficult for doctors to diagnose. Typically, it involves retrieving a specimen or sample from you via one of the following methods.
Your doctor will then send your sample to a nearby lab for testing to determine whether or not you have viral meningitis.
Aside from viral meningitis that results from herpes or Influenza virus, there’s no antibiotic or cure for viral meningitis. However, most cases of viral meningitis will resolve on their own within 1 to 1 1/2 weeks.
To relieve discomfort that results from your condition, your doctor will recommend bed rest, electrolytes, water, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate pain, body aches, and fever. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids and additional antibiotics to reduce the risk of complications and to keep you from developing bacterial meningitis.