some cases of meningitis are dangerous and some people can die from them what about viral meningitis?
2007-01-03 00:33:40 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
is it contagious as she was in my house 2 or 3 days before she went into hospital ?
2007-01-03 03:34:07 · update #1
It depends how bad she has it. Viral is more dangerous than the bactrial form. Keep those fingers crossed and pray to whatever God you recognise that she comes through;
2007-01-03 00:35:40 · answer #1 · answered by huggz 7 · 4⤊ 5⤋
Is Viral Meningitis Dangerous
2016-11-08 01:42:40 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear about your friend.
To start with, any type of meningitis is serious. It is caused by something ( a bacteria or a virus) getting into the brain and causing inflammation. Then the person can experience headaches, problems with vision and light, nausea and vomiting and very sleepy. Mood swings also occur and if left untreated then confusion, wandering around can occur.
The hospital would have performed a procedure called a lumbar puncture where a small needle is put into the bottom of her spine to withdraw some of the fluid that travels around the brain and spinal column. This is the quickest way of diagnosing the problem.
Bacterial meningitis - antibiotics in very large, constant doses depending on the symptoms.
Viral meningitis - control of the symptoms, pain killers, anti nausea medication, darkened room, minimal stimulation, minimal visitors. If they have identified the virus and your friend is not getting better quick then she may have administered antiviral medication if appropriate.
The main thing about meningits is the after care. She will be tired, potentially have headaches for the next few months. Rest is important after she goes home.
Good luck.
2007-01-03 01:37:10 · answer #3 · answered by scotchlady06 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Meningitis usually follows a viral or bacteria infection that a person has. The percentage of people that get meningitis from a viral or bacterial infection is extremely low. You don't directly catch meningitis ... you catch a virus or bacteria that MAY lead to meningitis. The usual form of transmission is through sharing something with the infected individual, like a drink. Consider your exposure to the baby on Sunday ... if that baby had a cold or the flu, do you think you were exposed to the virus or bacteria? People just holding the baby won't pass an infection on to you, it would have to be direct exposure to the baby itself. I think you are probably ok if you did not have direct contact with the baby. If you or your son get a cold, ear infection, sinus infection or the flu in the next week, don't hesitate to get checked out, and make sure that your doctor knows of your situation.
2016-03-29 05:50:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear about your friend.
Viral meningitis is NOT as dangerous as bacterial meningitis. It is serious but is rarely fatal in someone with a normal immune system.
Usually, the symptoms resolve in 7 to 10 days without specific treatment, and the person recovers completely.
By the way people, antibiotics are not given for VIRAL conditions...
2007-01-03 00:38:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Viral meningoencephalitis is dangerous, but viral meningitis alone is a mild disease with good prognosis. She will be having fever, headache, vomiting and neck stiffness. She will recover within a few days. If there is encephalitis, she will have disturbed consciousness, fits or unconsciousness. That has a worse prognosis.
2007-01-03 03:10:09 · answer #6 · answered by yakkydoc 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately there is limited treatment for it. The meningitis has to run its course. Most treatment is aimed at keeping the patient hydrated, and symptom control.......There is a lot of associated nausea and vomiting along with the massive headaches. Steroids may also be used to reduce the inflammatory process. If there is a spinal tap involved, it can aggravate an already pain full situation, but is a needed test to make sure there are no active pathogens in the spinal fluid.......wish him or her luck, keep the room dark and quiet, get lots of rest.
2007-01-03 00:42:43 · answer #7 · answered by filch_felonious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in most cases viral meningitis isnt as bad. its not contagis and doesnt affect the body in the same way. she will more than likely be fine in a week or 2.
2007-01-03 00:35:47 · answer #8 · answered by biddykate2002 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bacterial is the type to kill. Viral is exactly like the flu in the water around your brain. Swelling eyes,stiff neck,migraines and vomiting are effects. I have had it 3 times and lived. No antibiotics will work and time just works it's magic.
2007-01-03 00:39:06 · answer #9 · answered by Collared 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It can cause you to die, but they treat it pretty well with very strong antibiotics and lots of care. Usually she'll just feel lousy and have a headache, but once its treated its OK. Meningitis is a scary thing to have. The brain does NOT like it!! But she'll be OK in the hospital....they know how to treat it.
2007-01-03 00:39:01 · answer #10 · answered by Barbara A 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
i was born with spinal menigitis 33 yrs ago and im still here i got some brain damage and had epilepsy for 14 yrs but i havent had a seizure in about 20 yrs. but going to hospital and possible treatment and what ever measures best approach and worrying about it isnt going to help but worry u more and ur loved one and there other loved ones
2007-01-06 21:16:58 · answer #11 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋