About this topic
Viral meningitis happens when a virus infects the lining around the brain and spinal cord. This lining is also called the meninges. Meningitis from a virus is not as serious as if it is from bacteria. Children most often feel better in a week or two. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Make sure your child gets lots of rest.
- Have your child drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day.
- Offer your child a healthy diet.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Since this illness is caused by a virus, no drug can cure it. Your childs doctor may focus on getting rid of signs. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower fever
- Stop throwing up
- Help with pain
Will physical activity be limited?
Your child may have to limit activities. Talk to your childs doctor about when your child can go back to normal activities. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Have your child wash hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- If your child is sick, have your child cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Your child can also cough into the elbow. Have your child throw away tissues in the trash and wash hands after touching used tissues.
- Avoid mosquito bites.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Give your child vitamin C to help build up your childs ability to fight disease.
- Have your child get a flu shot each year.
- Ask your child's doctor about shots against meningitis.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, or mouth sores.
- If someone else in the family shows signs of meningitis like headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, or rash
- Your child is not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or your child is feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if someone else in my family has a headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, or a rash.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/meningitis.html ‚
Meningitis Research Foundation ‚
http://www.meningitis.org/disease-info/types-causes/viral-meningitis ‚
Wisconsin Department of Health Services ‚
http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/index.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚