Despite the opinion on the Internet that viral meningitis is a relatively mild disease, it does not require special treatment, that is, it goes away by itself, I would like to draw attention to the fact that this disease is just as deadly as its bacterial counterpart. It all depends on what virus meningitis was caused by, what was the state of the body at the time of the disease, what level of blood supply is provided by the vessels of the brain. Therefore, the symptoms of viral meningitis (as well as bacterial) deserve attention.
How does viral meningitis start?
In most cases, at the beginning of the disease, catarrhal phenomena occur (runny nose, cough), body temperature may rise. If an enterovirus from the Coxsackie or ECHO group has entered the body, then the first symptoms may be a slight runny nose, discomfort when swallowing, and diarrhea. The temperature in this case is often elevated. Primary exposure to the herpes virus,cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus can be complicated by meningitis, and then symptoms that precede obvious symptoms can be malaise, weakness, sore throat, the appearance of characteristic vesicles on the skin with light contents. The same symptoms can occur when these viruses are activated, which were already in the human body before.
Meningitis can complicate the course of infections such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, diseases from the SARS group, rubella. Then the symptoms of this disease itself will be preceded by: a characteristic rash, weakness, fever (optional), conjunctivitis and all those signs by which doctors diagnose measles, rubella, and so on.
Viral meningitis symptoms
Against the background of the above signs, the body temperature rises, a severe headache appears. It does not have a clear localization or is more disturbing in the forehead and temples; it becomes more painful when turning the head, changing the position of the body.
In addition to headaches, nausea and/or vomiting is usually noted, regardless of food intake. Symptoms of viral meningitis often include photophobia, increased headache with loud sounds (at the same time, the temperature is elevated, there was no head injury, the person does not suffer from arterial hypertension); any touch on the skin feels more intense than it really is. May be dizzy, double vision.
Viral meningitis symptoms in children are the same as in adults. Baby everythingtime tries to lie down, throws back his head, refuses to eat. Convulsions against the background of a slightly elevated body temperature in a child may also indicate the development of this disease.
Meningitis caused by herpes simplex viruses, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus develops quickly: after a slight indisposition with or without other symptoms, the temperature rises sharply, which is very difficult to bring down, severe headache. Very soon, oppression of consciousness appears: a person is either difficult to wake up, or he behaves as if he is under the influence of alcohol, or at first he is rather agitated, disoriented, then more and more tries to lie down.
Herpetic meningitis often occurs with a convulsive syndrome: repeated convulsions, in all limbs, with impaired consciousness, almost always lead to respiratory arrest and require resuscitation.
In some cases (except those when the disease developed as a complication of one of the "children's" infections), when the symptoms of viral meningitis match those described above, an accurate diagnosis can only be made by the results of a lumbar puncture. Finding out which virus caused the disease is quite difficult, since tests of this type are done for a long time. Only viruses of the herpetic group can be determined by PCR diagnostics within a day or three, so that, in addition to Acyclovir (Zovirax, Virolex), a specific immunoglobulin can also be prescribed.
Viral meningitis: prevention
This disease cannot beprotect yourself 100%, as well as from any viral infection. All you can do is lead a he althy lifestyle (including hardening), because if a virus that can cause meningitis enters the body, it does not mean that the disease will develop - it all depends on the immune response. In addition, you need to follow the rules of elementary hygiene: wash your hands before eating, drink boiled water, do not communicate with people who have signs of a viral disease. During the period of active herpes rashes, a sick person should smear them with Acyclovir and during this period try not to contact his family members without a mask, do not eat with them from common dishes and do not use common towels.
If you or your child has been in contact with a person who has subsequently been diagnosed with viral meningitis, do not panic: there is almost a 98% chance that you will not develop meningitis, but it is quite possible to “get” a cough or a runny nose.
