Viral meningitis facts for kids

Viral meningitis is a type of infection that affects the protective layers around your brain and spinal cord. These layers are called meninges. When a virus causes this infection, it's called viral meningitis. It's often caused by common viruses known as enteroviruses.

This type of meningitis is usually not as serious as meningitis caused by bacteria. The symptoms are often mild, feeling a lot like the flu. Viral meningitis happens more often in the summer months. Kids and teenagers tend to get it more than adults. Most children recover completely within about two weeks, and they usually don't need strong medicines to get better.

What is Viral Meningitis?

Viral meningitis happens when a virus gets into the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. This fluid and the protective layers (meninges) become inflamed. Think of it like a cold or flu, but instead of affecting your nose or throat, it affects these important layers around your brain.

How Do You Get It?

Viruses that cause viral meningitis are very common. They often spread the same way cold and flu viruses do:

• Through tiny drops from a cough or sneeze.
• By touching surfaces that have the virus on them, then touching your face.
• Sometimes, through contaminated food or water.

These viruses are everywhere, which is why viral meningitis can happen to anyone, though it's more common in younger people.

Symptoms of Viral Meningitis

The symptoms of viral meningitis can be different for everyone. They often start like a common cold or flu.

Common Symptoms

• A sudden fever.
• A bad headache.
• Feeling tired or having low energy.
• Muscle aches.
• Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up.
• Not wanting to eat.

More Specific Symptoms

Sometimes, people might have symptoms that are more specific to meningitis:

• A stiff neck, making it hard to touch your chin to your chest.
• Being sensitive to bright lights.
• Feeling confused or having trouble thinking clearly.
• In very young children, they might be very irritable or have a bulging soft spot on their head.

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, especially a stiff neck or severe headache with fever, it's important to tell an adult right away. A doctor can figure out what's going on.

How is Viral Meningitis Treated?

Most people with viral meningitis get better on their own without special medicine. Since it's caused by a virus, antibiotics (which fight bacteria) don't work.

Getting Better at Home

• Rest: Getting lots of sleep helps your body fight the virus.
• Fluids: Drinking plenty of water and other liquids is important to stay hydrated.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medicines, like those for fever or headache, can help you feel more comfortable.
• Time: The body's immune system usually clears the virus over about one to two weeks.

In some cases, if someone is very sick, they might need to stay in the hospital for a short time to get fluids or other care.

Preventing Viral Meningitis

Since many common viruses can cause viral meningitis, the best way to prevent it is to practice good hygiene.

Simple Prevention Tips

• Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid Touching Your Face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay Home When Sick: If you're not feeling well, stay home from school or other activities to avoid spreading germs.
• Clean Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that many people touch, like doorknobs and keyboards.

By following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself and others from many common viruses, including those that can cause viral meningitis.

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  Symptoms of Meningitis