How is viral meningitis treated?

It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms of meningitis develop in order to determine whether the meningitis is viral or bacterial. Any delays in treating bacterial meningitis can lead to stroke, severe brain damage, and even death. Patients with bacterial meningitis are usually hospitalized and given large doses of intravenous antibiotics. The specific antibiotic used depends on the bacterium responsible for the infection. Antibiotic therapy is very effective, and if treatment begins in time, the risk of dying from bacterial meningitis today is less than 15 percent.

With bed rest, plenty of fluids, and medicine to reduce fever and control headache, most patients recover from viral meningitis within a week or two and suffer no lasting effects.


No specific treatment for viral meningitis exists at this time. Most patients completely recover on their own. Doctors often will recommend bed rest, plenty of fluids, and medicine to relieve fever and headache.