Viral Meningitis – Patient Education

What It Is

Viral meningitis is an infection and swelling of the thin layers of tissue (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by viruses, not bacteria. It is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis, but still needs medical care.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Common viruses that cause it include:
  
  

  • Enteroviruses (most common, often in summer and fall)
    
    

  • Mumps virus
    
    

  • Herpes simplex virus
    
    

  • Measles virus
    
    

  • West Nile virus
    
    

• Risk factors:
  
  

  • Weakened immune system
    
    

  • Not being vaccinated for certain viruses
    
    

  • Contact with someone who has a viral infection
    
    

  • Poor handwashing habits
    
    

Signs and Symptoms (Including Early Warning Signs)

• Early symptoms:
  
  

  • Fever
    
    

  • Headache
    
    

  • Feeling very tired
    
    

• Later symptoms:
  
  

  • Stiff neck
    
    

  • Nausea and vomiting
    
    

  • Sensitivity to bright light
    
    

  • Sleepiness or confusion
    
    

• In babies:
  
  

  • Irritability
    
    

  • Trouble feeding
    
    

  • Soft spot on head may bulge
    
    

Complications If Untreated or Patient Does Not Follow Care Plan

• In most cases, people recover fully
  
  

• Rarely, may cause:
  
  

  • Memory or learning problems
    
    

  • Hearing loss
    
    

  • Seizures
    
    

  • Ongoing headaches
    
    

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• There is no specific medicine to cure most cases
  
  

• The body usually fights off the virus on its own
  
  

• Treatments focus on:
  
  

  • Rest
    
    

  • Drinking fluids
    
    

  • Pain relievers (like acetaminophen) for headache and fever
    
    

  • Prescription antiviral medicine if caused by certain viruses (like herpes)
    
    

Common Types of Medications for This Illness

• Pain and fever medicines: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen — to lower fever and ease discomfort
  
  

• Antiviral drugs: Used for certain viral causes (herpes, shingles)
  
  

• Anti-nausea medicines: To help keep fluids down
  
  

Purpose and Possible Side Effects of Medications

• Pain relievers: Purpose — reduce fever/pain; Side effects — stomach upset (ibuprofen), liver risk (acetaminophen if overused)
  
  

• Antiviral drugs: Purpose — shorten illness and prevent complications; Side effects — nausea, headache, tiredness
  
  

• Anti-nausea medicine: Purpose — prevent vomiting and dehydration; Side effects — drowsiness, dry mouth
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Drink plenty of fluids (water, broths, electrolyte drinks)
  
  

• Eat light, easy-to-digest foods (soups, fruits, soft foods)
  
  

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol until fully recovered
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Get plenty of rest
  
  

• Wash hands often, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers
  
  

• Avoid close contact with sick people
  
  

• Stay home until fever-free and cleared by your healthcare provider
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Watch for worsening symptoms (confusion, seizures, very high fever)
  
  

• Avoid bright lights if sensitive
  
  

• Use fever reducers safely — follow dose instructions
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Wash hands well and often
  
  

• Keep vaccinations up to date (mumps, measles, polio, chickenpox)
  
  

• Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne viruses
  
  

• Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinks, or lip products
  
  

• Cover coughs and sneezes
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your home health agency or healthcare provider right away if:

• Fever over 101°F that does not improve
  
  

• Severe headache or stiff neck
  
  

• Confusion or trouble waking up
  
  

• Seizures
  
  

• Trouble breathing
  
  

• In infants — bulging soft spot, constant crying, refusal to eat
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework/Assessment

(Patient circles “True” or “False” Please correct all False statements)

1. True / False – Viral meningitis is caused by viruses, not bacteria.
   
   

2. True / False – The meninges are the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.
   
   

3. True / False – Most cases of viral meningitis are less severe than bacterial meningitis.
   
   

4. True / False – A stiff neck and headache can be signs of viral meningitis.
   
   

5. True / False – Babies with viral meningitis may be irritable and refuse to feed.
   
   

6. True / False – Washing your hands often can help prevent viral meningitis.
   
   

7. True / False – You can catch viral meningitis from certain viruses spread by mosquitoes.
   
   

8. True / False – Antibiotics are the main treatment for viral meningitis.
   
   

9. True / False – Most people recover fully from viral meningitis.
   
   

10. True / False – Staying hydrated and resting can help your body fight the infection.
    
    

11. True / False – People with viral meningitis should avoid sharing drinks and utensils with others.
    
    

12. True / False – Certain vaccines can help prevent some causes of viral meningitis.
    
    

13. True / False – Sensitivity to light can be a symptom of viral meningitis.
    
    

14. True / False – Fever, headache, and tiredness can be early warning signs of viral meningitis.
    
    

15. True / False – If you have viral meningitis, it’s safe to ignore symptoms if they get worse.
    
    

16. True / False – Antiviral medicines may be used for certain causes, like herpes virus.
    
    

17. True / False – Staying home until cleared by your healthcare provider helps prevent spreading viruses.
    
    

18. True / False – Using insect repellent can lower the risk of certain types of viral meningitis.
    
    

19. True / False – Avoiding bright lights may help with discomfort from light sensitivity.
    
    

20. True / False – It is important to call your healthcare provider if you have confusion, seizures, or trouble breathing.
    
    

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Safety Questions for the Patient

(Tailored for each patient’s safety and self-care needs)

1. What symptoms would make you call your healthcare provider or home health nurse right away?
   
   

2. Do you know which vaccinations you still need to help prevent some causes of viral meningitis?
   
   

3. How will you make sure you are drinking enough fluids each day while recovering?
   
   

4. What changes can you make in your daily routine to reduce your risk of catching or spreading viral infections?
   
   

5. If you develop sensitivity to bright light, how will you manage it at home?
   
   

6. How will you remember to take any prescribed antiviral or pain medicines on schedule?
   
   

7. If you live with others, what steps will you take to protect them from getting sick?
   
   

8. What is your plan for rest and avoiding overexertion while you recover?
   
   

9. How will you protect yourself from mosquito-borne viruses in your area?
   
   

10. Who will help you at home if you become more ill or unable to care for yourself?
    
    

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True – Viruses, not bacteria, cause viral meningitis.
   
   

2. True – The meninges protect the brain and spinal cord.
   
   

3. True – Viral meningitis is usually less severe than bacterial, though still serious.
   
   

4. True – Headache and stiff neck are common warning signs.
   
   

5. True – Infants may show irritability and poor feeding as signs of illness.
   
   

6. True – Handwashing removes germs that can spread viral infections.
   
   

7. True – Viruses like West Nile can be spread by mosquito bites and cause meningitis.
   
   

8. False – Antibiotics only work against bacteria; viral infections need other treatments.
   
   

9. True – Most healthy people recover without long-term problems.
   
   

10. True – Fluids and rest help the body’s immune system fight the virus.
    
    

11. True – Sharing drinks or utensils can spread viruses to others.
    
    

12. True – Vaccines for measles, mumps, and chickenpox can prevent some cases.
    
    

13. True – Sensitivity to light is a classic meningitis symptom.
    
    

14. True – Early signs include fever, headache, and tiredness.
    
    

15. False – Worsening symptoms can be life-threatening and need immediate care.
    
    

16. True – Antiviral medicines may be prescribed for herpes or other viral causes.
    
    

17. True – Staying home prevents spreading the virus to others.
    
    

18. True – Insect repellent helps prevent mosquito-borne viruses.
    
    

19. True – Staying in dim lighting can reduce light sensitivity discomfort.
    
    

20. True – Confusion, seizures, and breathing trouble are emergencies that require immediate attention.