How to treat bacterial and viral meningitis

Treatment for meningitis should be started as soon as possible after the onset of the first symptoms, such as difficulty in moving the neck, constant fever above 38ºC or vomiting, for example.

Generally, treatment for meningitis depends on the type of microorganism that caused the disease and, therefore, should be started in the hospital with diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, to identify the type of meningitis and determine the most appropriate treatment.

Bacterial meningitis

Treatment for bacterial meningitis is always done at the hospital with the injection of antibiotics, such as Penicillin, to fight the bacteria that are causing the disease and prevent the appearance of complications such as loss of vision or deafness. See other sequelae that meningitis can cause.

In addition, during hospitalization, which may take about 1 week, it may also be necessary to use other medications, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, to reduce fever and relieve muscle pain, reducing patient discomfort.

In the most severe cases, in which it is not possible to control the symptoms of the disease, the patient may be hospitalized for a longer time in an intensive care unit to receive fluids in the vein and to make oxygen.

Viral meningitis

Treatment for viral meningitis can be done at home as it is usually easier than treating bacterial meningitis. However, there is no medicine or antibiotic capable of eliminating the virus that is causing the disease and, therefore, it is important to control the symptoms.

Thus, during treatment it is recommended:

• Take medicines for fever, such as Paracetamol, according to the doctor's instructions; Rest, avoiding leaving the house to work or going to school; Drink at least 2 liters of water, tea or coconut water per day.

Generally, treatment for viral meningitis can take about 2 weeks, and during that time, it is advisable to have medical assessments once a week to assess the course of treatment.

Signs of improvement in meningitis

Signs of improvement in meningitis appear around 3 days after the start of treatment and include decreased fever, relieved muscle pain, increased appetite and reduced difficulty in moving the neck, for example.

Signs of worsening meningitis

Signs of worsening meningitis arise when treatment is not started quickly and include increased fever, confusion, apathy and seizures. If meningitis symptoms worsen, it is recommended to go immediately to the emergency room to avoid putting the patient's life at risk.