How long does it take to get viral meningitis after being exposed?
Symptoms appear within three to six days after being exposed to the virus. You can pass the virus to others for several weeks after getting the infection, even after you no longer feel sick so it is important to always wash your hands.
Is viral meningitis easy to catch?
Is a person with viral meningitis contagious? Some of the enteroviruses that cause viral meningitis are contagious while others, such as mosquito-borne viruses, cannot be spread from person to person. Fortunately, most people exposed to these viruses experience mild or no symptoms.
How long until viral meningitis is not contagious?
Depending on the specific cause of the viral meningitis, the infected person generally becomes contagious once their symptoms have started and continuing for approximately 7-10 days.
Can you get meningitis from being around someone with it?
People can spread the viruses that cause viral meningitis to other people. If you have close contact with someone who has viral meningitis, they may spread the virus to you. However, you are not likely to develop meningitis. That’s because most people infected with these viruses will not develop meningitis.
What should you do if you have been exposed to viral meningitis?
See a doctor right away if you think you or your child might have meningitis. A doctor can determine if you have the disease, what is causing it, and the best treatment.
What if you are exposed to meningitis?
Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria. People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die.
What should you do if you are exposed to meningitis?
You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned that you or your child could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and do not wait until a rash develops. Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.
Can you pass on viral meningitis?
How It Spreads. Close contacts of someone with viral meningitis can become infected with the virus that made that person sick. However, these close contacts are not likely to develop meningitis. Only a small number of people who get infected with the viruses that cause meningitis will develop viral meningitis.
Is viral meningitis fatal?
Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and, although rarely life-threatening, can make people very unwell.
Is viral meningitis serious?
Viral meningitis is an infection of the membranes (linings) that cover the brain and spinal cord. A variety of viruses can cause meningitis, including those that cause gastroenteritis, measles, mumps, chicken pox and herpes. Viral meningitis is rarely serious, although symptoms may be severe.
Does viral meningitis go away?
Most cases go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. (1) Sometimes recovery can take a few months; this is most likely if the meningitis is caused by West Nile virus or LCM. (6) Regardless, it is important that those who suspect they have meningitis see a medical professional to be properly assessed.
How contagious is viral meningitis in adults?
In short, most bacterial meningitis infections are mildly to moderately contagious person to person, while some viral meningitis infections are contagious, but other types are not. Fungal, parasitic, and noninfectious causes of meningitis are not contagious from one person directly to another.
Can you fully recover from viral meningitis?
Although most people will make a full recovery, some are left with serious and debilitating after- effects. Who gets viral meningitis and why? Viral meningitis can affect any age group, but it is most common in young children as their body’s defences are not fully developed.
Do you need to be hospitalized for viral meningitis?
Treatment in hospital is recommended in all cases of bacterial meningitis, as the condition can cause serious problems and requires close monitoring. Severe viral meningitis may also be treated in hospital.
What should you do if exposed to meningitis?
Is viral meningitis life long?
Most people who contract viral meningitis make a full recovery and experience no long-term health effects. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing serious meningitis complications.
Can you visit someone with viral meningitis?
Close contacts of someone with viral meningitis can become infected with the virus that made that person sick. However, these close contacts are not likely to develop meningitis. Only a small number of people who get infected with the viruses that cause meningitis will develop viral meningitis.
Is viral meningitis airborne?
Viral meningitis is the most common type, but it’s not usually life-threatening. The enteroviruses that cause meningitis can spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces. They easily spread through coughing and sneezing.