Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and much less dangerous.
Although viral meningitis can make you feel very unwell, treatment is usually rest and pain killers and most people tend to make a full recovery within two-weeks without being admittted to hospital.
What causes viral meningitis?
Most of the viruses that cause meningitis live in the intestines and tend to be passed on as a result of poor hygiene. Many different viruses can cause viral meningitis, most commonly enteroviruses that normally live harmlessly in people's bowels. Mumps and measles viruses and herpes viruses can also cause the illness. However, many people exposed to such viruses do not go onto develop viral meningitis.
What are the symptoms and after-effects?
The symptoms for viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis are very similar, but are usually milder with viral meningitis. However, in the early stages of the illness it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, so it is always best to seek medical advice in case urgent treatment is needed.
In a small number of cases, people who have suffered from viral meningitis may experience after-effects such as recurring headaches, exhaustion, deafness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), memory loss, lack of co-ordination or confusion.
The coxsackievirus, which is just one of the viruses that can cause meningitis
Assessment of Patient Experiences of Viral Meningitis
In contrast to bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis has remained relatively negelected in terms of research and treatment guidelines are unclear. Dr Jung and Prof. Solomon from the Brain Infections Group at the University of Liverpool are undertaking a research study to assess patient experiences and better understand the impact of the disease on patient quality of life and society. If you, or anyone close to you, has been diagnosed with viral meningitis and would like to take part anonymously, please download the questionnaire and complete and return by email to braininfections@liv.ac.uk
How can I protect myself and my family?
A good precaution to take to avoid catching viral meningitis is to always wash your hands thoroughly.
In 2009 there has been an increase in the number of cases of mumps and measles nationally. The mumps and measles viruses can cause meningitis and encephalitis. Viral meningitis, although not usually life threatening, can be serious so we would encourage all parents to ensure that their children are protected. The best defence against mumps and measles meningitis is immunisation with MMR vaccine.
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