Viral Meningitis in Adults

One of the elements in the human body that protects the central nervous system is a system known as meninges. These membranes surround the brain and the spinal cord. Now due to the spread of some infection, these vital membranes suffer inflammation. And this condition is referred to as meningitis. According to experts, most patients are diagnosed with viral meningitis. However, there come up cases where the condition has a bacterial or a fungal infection to blame. This condition is known to resolve on its own (if it is a viral one) and it also has the reputation of turning into a fatal condition (if it's a bacterial one). It all depends upon the cause of the infection.

Causes
According to reports, in the United States, about 30% of the cases are known to be brought upon by a class of virus known as enteroviruses. And in most cases, no specific virus is identified for causing the condition. It is known that herpes simplex virus, the West Nile virus, etc., can also be the offenders.

Symptoms
The symptoms caused by viral meningitis are similar to those that occur in bacterial meningitis, and may be mistaken for those which are caused due to influenza. This is the reason why, it is essential for get medical help in case the symptoms seem to persist and get aggravated with time, as you never know what could be causing them. Also, the symptoms may develop several hours or even one or two days post contracting the infection.

Common signs and symptoms that are indicative of viral meningitis include high fever, feeling of stiffness in the neck, sore throat, diarrhea, joint aches, sleepiness or difficulty in waking up. A person who is hit by meningitis, experiences a headache of severe nature and different from normal headaches. The headache might be accompanied by vomiting or nausea. Other symptoms are sensitivity to bright light, episodes of seizures, poor drinking or eating, and skin rash. One more classic symptom of this viral infection is experiencing difficulty in concentrating. This symptom, in the young may appear in the form of the inability to maintain eye contact.

Is Viral Meningitis Contagious?
The virus that causes the condition is known to be a contagious one. For instance, the enteroviruses are known to be common during summer and early fall. However, most people who get infected do not have any such meningitis symptoms in adults, as described above. While there are some, who only develop a rash, accompanied by a low-grade fever. And there are a few people who get infected and actually develop viral meningitis. So this leaves us with the inference that the condition is contagious, but only moderately.

Treatment
Antibiotics do not help treat viral meningitis. Moreover, most cases show improvements in a week or a too, without any medical intervention. So all that is needed is bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids including water, and use of OTC drugs to relieve symptoms such as fever or body aches.

If the condition is suspected to be caused due to a fungal infection, treatment does not begin until the diagnosis is confirmed. For causes such as allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases, patients may be given cortisone-like medications. And if in case the cause is not determined, the doctor may begin an antibiotics or antiviral treatment, while the diagnosis is established.

Simply following a few personal hygiene measures can prevent viral meningitis in adults and children. Washing your hands prior to and post meal, and inculcating regular exercise and balanced diet, are good enough to keep such conditions at bay. During pregnancy, expecting mothers must be wary of food they eat. And to ensure that you do not infect others, cover your mouth when you feel the need to cough or sneeze.