Question 1

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 2

is viral meningitis a serious disease?

Accepted Answer

Hardly: Viral meningitis is usually a self-limiting condition and long-term neurologic sequelae is rare.

Question 3

how easy is it to spread viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Meningitis: Causes of bacterial meningitis including strep, neisseria, h flu & viruses like enteroviruses, herpes, & hiv. Bacteria & viruses that cause meningitis colonize the nose & throat & are transmitted through respiratory droplets. Viral meningitis can also be transmitted by fecal-oral routes & insect bites. Usually contacts working within ~3 ft of those with meningitis r considered to be at high risk.

Question 4

what is the medical term for viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Viral meningitis: If the exact virus is known or is discovered, the name of the virus may be added.  Certain viruses produce distinctive syndromes (lymphocytic choriomeningitis from a mouse virus, mollaret's from herpes or its kin).

Question 5

how many people die annually from viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Very few: less than 1% in some reports, but that's dependent on several factors, immune status of the host, age, newborns suffer more, and whether there are complications like spread of infection to the spinal cord/brain itself, again this is rare in an immune competent subject, it is essentially a benign disease, wish you all luck

Question 6

what are some of the risk factors for getting viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

The risk factors for getting Viral meningitis include::   Baby, Immunosuppression.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Isolation precautions for viral meningitis

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:

Is viral meningitis a serious disease?

A member asked:

How easy is it to spread viral meningitis?

A member asked:

What is the medical term for viral meningitis?

A member asked:

How many people die annually from viral meningitis?

A member asked:

What are some of the risk factors for getting 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?

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?