Viral Meningitis: How to Care for Your Child

Viral meningitis happens when a virus causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the covering of the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). In most cases, no special treatment is needed. There are things you can do to help your child feel better during recovery.

Have your child drink plenty of fluids.

• Let your child rest as much as needed.

• You can give medicine for pain or fever if your health care professional says it's OK. Use these medicines exactly as directed:

  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)OR

  • ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Do not give to babies under 6 months old.

• Don't give aspirin to your child. It could lead to serious medical problems.

• Viruses that cause meningitis are contagious. To help prevent spreading them, remind everyone in your family to wash their hands often and well. This is especially important after changing diapers, using the toilet, or coughing, and before eating or preparing food.

• Make an appointment with your health care professional as recommended. It's important for your health care professional to closely watch your child during recovery.

Your child:

• Is vomiting.

• Seems very tired or less energetic than usual for more than a few days.

• Has a fever that gets better and then returns.

• Seems to be getting sicker.

• Had a rash that cleared up, but develops a new rash.

• Develops other new symptoms.

• Has any of these signs of dehydration:

  • a dry or sticky mouth

  • peeing less

  • no tears when crying

  • sunken eyes

  • dizziness or drowsiness

Your child:

• Has weakness, trouble moving any body parts, or trouble speaking.

• Is stumbling or not walking normally.

• Develops double vision or other vision problems.

• Develops a severe headache.

• Has a seizure.

• Is unusually sleepy or hard to awaken.

• Is acting confused or disoriented.

How is meningitis diagnosed? A sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (called cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF) is taken. The CSF is tested to see if the meningitis was caused by a virus or bacteria. The tests showed that your child's meningitis probably was caused by a virus (if the final test results find another cause, the health care professional will let you know). Some of the viruses that cause meningitis are common, and in many people only cause a fever and cold- or flu-like symptoms.

How is viral meningitis treated? Viral meningitis usually gets better in 7–10 days with rest and treatment of symptoms, such as a headache. Often, this can be done at home. Kids generally recover completely from viral meningitis without any problems. If the headache is severe or your child is not able to drink well, a return to the hospital for pain medicine or fluids might be needed.

Can meningitis be prevented? There are many causes of meningitis. People who have had viral meningitis are not protected from getting other, more serious kinds of meningitis, such as those caused by bacteria. Vaccines can prevent some kinds of bacterial meningitis. Talk to your health care professional about making sure your kids have received all recommended vaccines for their age, particularly the pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines.