Viral meningitis is a viral infection that inflames the tissues surrounding both- the brain and the spinal cord. Though this infection can sort itself out over a period of time, it is still considered relatively serious.
This article describes the symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment options and prevention approaches of the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of viral meningitis can vary between adults and infants. Adults may have signs like high fever, vomiting, nausea, reduced appetite, sensitivity to light, severe headache, stiff neck and problem sleeping. Infants may show symptoms of fever and irritability, and they may become difficult to feed and wake up. Generally, the symptoms of this disease appear between one to seven days after the infection, and they often get misdiagnosed as indications of flu.
Causes
A range of viruses can cause viral meningitis, though the most common source is a group called enteroviruses. Such viruses strike in the summer and fall seasons generally, and cause symptoms such as aching joints, sore throat, headache and rashes. Other viruses that may cause viral meningitis are those that give rise to medical conditions, such as mumps, herpes, influenza and measles. Moreover, arboviruses circulated by insects like mosquitoes and the uncommon lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus dispersed by rodents may also cause viral meningitis.
Risk Factors
People who do not receive the recommended vaccines- especially those meant for the prevention of mumps, measles and chickenpox - during childhood are at an increased risk of getting infected by viral meningitis. Children aged less than 5 years are also at an elevated risk of contracting viral meningitis. Other groups at higher risk include people with frail immune systems due to health conditions, such as AIDS or diabetes.
Treatment
For people with strong immune systems, the symptoms of this disease often clear up entirely without any treatment in one to two weeks, though doctors generally suggest that patients take lots of rest and fluids. Over-the-counter pain medications can also help alleviate body aches and fever, and antiviral medication may be prescribed if the herpes virus is behind the infection. In acute cases, such as with young children and people who have frail immune systems, hospital admission may be necessary.
Prevention
Since the viruses that cause viral meningitis are commonly behind other communicable infections, decreasing the possibility of getting infected by viral meningitis requires you to limit your exposure to infectious substances. For example, always keep hands clean by regular proper washing; never share eating containers, toothbrushes and similar personal items to evade contact with other people's saliva and mucus; and follow a healthy daily routine with ample sleep, dietary nutrition and physical activity to build and sustain a healthy immune system.
|