Question 1

what are the long-term effects of viral meningitis in a child?

Accepted Answer

None: There is no consistent long-term effect after the viral meningitis.

Question 2

ive been exposed to viral meningitis,  its been 3 days and i have no symptoms im so scared,  is that reassuring for 3 days no symptoms. thanks :(?

Accepted Answer

Two things: First, if you were going to get it you would most likely have it by now. Incubation is 12-72 hrs for most. Second,the viral cases are troublesome but self heal &amp; rarely cause any permanent complications.

Question 3

how is viral meningitis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Several ways: There are changes in the spinal fluid in cells, protein and glucose.  There is a difference sometimes in the clinical presentation.  Sometimes you can isolate the virus or detect its presence by antigen or antibody testing.

Question 4

how serious is having a viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Generally viral meningitis is mild and self-limiting, but it depends in part on which virus and your underlying immune status.  Not a fun illness to have, but usually recover uneventfully.

Question 5

is viral meningitis infectious?

Accepted Answer

Very variable: There is a very large number of viruses that can cause meningitis, most are not infectious. See this site for more info.
http://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/viral.html.

Question 6

what are diagnostic tests for viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Spinal Tap: The most important test to diagnose viral meningitis is a spinal tap. The fluid removed can give the answer sometimes immediately after looking at it but the culture will be most important to see if it is viral or bacterial.

Question 7

can you tell me how contagious is viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Quite, but...: The viruses that cause the majority of cases of viral meningitis are actually quite contagious, but does not mean you will get meningitis. You may only get a simple cold when you are exposed to the same virus, or run a bit of a fever and feel fatigued. To go on and actually develop meningitis is quite unusual. SO you may get sick, but not as bad hopefully....

Question 8

what are the signs and symptoms of viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Viral meningitis: The symptoms are similar to a bacterial meningitis - headache, nausea, vomiting, pain in the eyes from light, stiff neck, and fever. The spinal tap will show the difference between a bacterial and a viral infection, which often is very uncomfortable, but does not require more serious treatments.  Some with viral meningitis will need IV fluids, pain medications, and medication for fever.

Question 9

please tell me how long it takes for to get over viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Days to weeks: Viral meningitis typically only requires supportive therapy and patients recover after days to weeks. Most viruses responsible for causing meningitis are not amenable to specific treatment and  conservative measures such as fluid, bedrest, and analgesics are usually effective.

Question 10

is it typical to have personality changes temporarily  while recouperating from viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Viral meningitis can affect both cognitive and emotional processing.  Problems such as fatique, depression, irritability, difficulty with focus and concentration are not unusual, but typically are short lasting as recovery proceeds.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

After effects of viral meningitis in adults

A member asked:

What are the long-term effects of viral meningitis in a child?

A member asked:

Ive been exposed to viral meningitis, its been 3 days and i have no symptoms im so scared, is that reassuring for 3 days no symptoms. thanks :(?

A member asked:

How is viral meningitis diagnosed?

A member asked:

How serious is having a viral meningitis?

A member asked:

Is viral meningitis infectious?

A member asked:

What are diagnostic tests for viral meningitis?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how contagious is viral meningitis?

A member asked:

What are the signs and symptoms of viral meningitis?

A member asked:

Please tell me how long it takes for to get over viral meningitis?

A member asked:

Is it typical to have personality changes temporarily while recouperating from viral meningitis?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?