Question 1

why is bacterial meningitis worse than viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial kills!!: In most cases viral meningitis is mild and the body itself takes care of this. There are exceptions, such as herpez meningitis... Bacterial meningitis is always serious and fatal in most cases if untreated.

Question 2

what are the differences between viral and bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms are similar: Meningitis is an infection of the tissues surrounding the brain.  Symptoms may include fever, headache, a stiff neck (an inability to touch the chin to the chest) and a rash.  Generally bacterial meningitis is more serious than viral.  However, intravenous antibiotics and other medications are usually initiated until laboratory results and other tests confirm the cause.

Question 3

is there a simple way to tell if i have viral or bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Exam of CSF: Exam and culture of cerebrospinal fluid obtained by spinal tapping would generally allow the distinction.

Question 4

if one has viral meningitis, do they have a higher chance of getting bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Meningitis: Likely not as I have not seen a patient that has both types of meningitis in over thirty years. While possible very highly unlikely.

Question 5

i had bacterial meningitis 2.5 years ago. i still feel similar symptoms on a regular basis. can you have ongoing viral meningitis after bacterial?

Accepted Answer

No: There may be residual symptoms from scarring in the membranes lining the brain, but it is highly unlikely that you have ongoing viral infection.
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Question 6

how can doctors tell the difference between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar Puncture: Though the history can be similar- the profile on the lumbar puncture usually will aallow differentiation.

Question 7

bacterial meningitis 2 yrs ago, but i believe im having repeat viral episodes. head/body aches, low fevers on regular basis. what specialist to see?

Accepted Answer

Start with Ur doc: A past illness of this type does not make you more or less likely to get the common sort of illnesses. Start with your regular doc and s/he can decide whether you need a specialist care &amp; would likely know who was available. In the meantime a good exam and review of your problem may be settled with that first visit.

Question 8

i have sore throat for 4 days now and it is worse when i wake up in the morning, no fever just a little tired and no white spots in my throat, can this be bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

: I wonder if you are asking whether you are experiencing bacterial tonsillitis, which can easily be ruled in or out  at your doctor's office.  Without experiencing headache, chance of bacterial meningitis is very remote.

Question 9

why i s there "acute" bacterial meningitis? is there such a thing as mild bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

No: Just like there is not a mild form of  the black plague. A little poison is still poison.

Question 10

my niece often goes to college parties and drinks from anyone and everyones cup. how likely is it that she can get bacterial meningitis?

Accepted Answer

: Meningitis is not likely in that scenario, but not impossible. Since college students are going to be college students, all you can do is advise against it. However, the Meningitis vaccine is advised for college age students and she should have that, for sure. Good luck.

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Doctor answers about:

Why is bacterial meningitis worse than viral

A member asked:

Why is bacterial meningitis worse than viral meningitis?

A member asked:

What are the differences between viral and bacterial meningitis?

A member asked:

Is there a simple way to tell if i have viral or bacterial meningitis?

A member asked:

If one has viral meningitis, do they have a higher chance of getting bacterial meningitis?

A member asked:

I had bacterial meningitis 2.5 years ago. i still feel similar symptoms on a regular basis. can you have ongoing viral meningitis after bacterial?

A member asked:

How can doctors tell the difference between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis?

A member asked:

Bacterial meningitis 2 yrs ago, but i believe im having repeat viral episodes. head/body aches, low fevers on regular basis. what specialist to see?

A member asked:

I have sore throat for 4 days now and it is worse when i wake up in the morning, no fever just a little tired and no white spots in my throat, can this be bacterial meningitis?

A member asked:

Why i s there "acute" bacterial meningitis? is there such a thing as mild bacterial meningitis?

A member asked:

My niece often goes to college parties and drinks from anyone and everyones cup. how likely is it that she can get bacterial meningitis?

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