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What is normal for viral meningitis

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My husband was diagnosed about 4-5 days ago with viral meningitis. He was told to go home and just rest and take pain meds for the headaches and motrin and to come back to the hosptial if he gets worse. He was supposed to see his primary care dr in a few days but as soon as the dr found out my hubby had meningitis he referred us to an infectious disease dr whom we have yet to hear from and. Im freaking out because I have tons of questions that I cant ask anyone.

I know the usual symptoms of meningitis but what are some of the less common symptoms? My husband has developed a small rash on his stomach and this morning he was having muscle spasms while sleeping is this normal?
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replied May 30th, 2011
Especially eHealthy
Completely,

The following is a fact sheet on viral meningitis:


Introduction:

Viral meningitis is a relatively common but rarely serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. It is caused by any of a number of different viruses, many of which are associated with other diseases. Mosquito-borne viruses can also cause viral meningitis. There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. The illness is usually mild and clears up in about a week. Prevention centers on washing hands thoroughly and often and avoiding mosquito bites.


What is viral meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by an infection with a virus or a bacterium. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or a bacterium is important because of differences in the seriousness of the illness and the treatment needed. Viral meningitis is usually relatively mild. It clears up in a week or two without specific treatment. Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis.


What viruses cause viral meningitis?

Viral meningitis is caused by any of a number of different viruses, many of which are associated with other diseases. About half of the cases in the United States are caused by common intestinal viruses. Occasionally, children with mumps or herpes virus infection develop viral meningitis. Mosquito-borne viruses also cause some cases each year. In many cases, a specific virus cannot be identified.


Where is viral meningitis found?

Viral meningitis is found worldwide. Cases occurring in summer and fall are usually caused by mosquito-borne viruses. Those occurring in winter are likely due to other diseases.


How do people get viral meningitis?

The way people get viral meningitis depends on the virus involved. Some viruses that cause viral meningitis are spread by person-to-person contact; others are spread by insects. Fortunately, very few people who become infected with these viruses actually develop meningitis.


What are the signs and symptoms of viral meningitis?

Symptoms are fever, headache, stiff neck, and tiredness. Rash, sore throat, and vomiting can also occur.


How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?

Symptoms generally appear within 1 week of exposure. Illness usually lasts less than 10 days, and people usually recover completely without complications.


Who is at risk for viral meningitis?

Anyone can get viral meningitis, but it occurs most often in children and young adults.


How is viral meningitis diagnosed?

Viral meningitis is diagnosed by blood tests.


What is the treatment for viral meningitis?

No specific treatment is available for viral meningitis. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.


How common is viral meningitis?

Viral meningitis is relatively common. Almost all cases occur as single, isolated events. Outbreaks are rare.


How can viral meningitis be prevented?

Pay careful attention to personal hygiene -- Handwashing helps prevent infection with many of the viruses that can cause viral meningitis. Wash hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, after changing diapers, before preparing and eating food, and after sneezing and coughing. Avoid mosquito bites -- If possible, stay inside between dusk and dark. This is when most types of mosquitoes are most active. When outside between dusk and dark, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Spray exposed skin with an insect repellent.




Hope your husband feels better soon. Good luck.
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replied August 1st, 2011
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My husband has viral menigitias and was wondering if it's ok if I go to work. Will it be possible to expose other people??
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replied October 19th, 2011
I had meningits with inflamation of the bran (encephalitis) ten years ago. It basically changed my life as if I had walked through a door and it slammed shut begind me. The myth that viral meningitis is benign exists only in the US. In England, where it is much more common),there are centers specifically for post meningitis treatment. It triggers autoimmune disorders, can cause permanent memory loss, put people in wheelchairs for life, cause permanent, severe disability. To try to obtain the correct care in this country is nightmarish. Take your family member to a teaching hospital with nuerologists and infectious disease specialists with experience in treating this disease. Some people are lucky and make full recoveries. I am disabled.
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replied November 12th, 2011
Possible meningitus symptoms lasting for months?
I had some mysterious intestinal infection. I had felt like there was some "bug" in my system for a few weeks, but than It came on suddenly in the night, as an "attack" of sever pain all through my abdomen, & back. I fell down in the bathroom. I went to the ER (first time in my life) & was in the hospital with a/103 fever, for a week. I was told the ER saved my life. All my vitals went crazy. A few days in, I also developed sever pain in my neck. Later a doctor told me it had affected my "mengines"- I did not have insurance (I have recently gotten medicaid)- They stabalized me in the hospital & sent me home (with a fever). They said it will take me a long time to regain my normal health (Im 42 very healthy, otherwise., have never been to the hospital before). That was 2 months ago. I am still recovering., from whatever this mysterious thing was. My neck.. going down my spine is still stiff. If there was some viral meningitus?.. Does this stay in your neck for months?
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replied November 12th, 2011
Possible meningitus symptoms lasting for months?
I had some mysterious intestinal infection. I had felt like there was some "bug" in my system for a few weeks, but than It came on suddenly in the night, as an "attack" of sever pain all through my abdomen, & back. I fell down in the bathroom. I went to the ER (first time in my life) & was in the hospital with a/103 fever, for a week. I was told the ER saved my life. All my vitals went crazy. A few days in, I also developed sever pain in my neck. Later a doctor told me it had affected my "mengines"- I did not have insurance (I have recently gotten medicaid)- They stabalized me in the hospital & sent me home (with a fever). They said it will take me a long time to regain my normal health (Im 42 very healthy, otherwise., have never been to the hospital before). That was 2 months ago. I am still recovering., from whatever this mysterious thing was. My neck.. going down my spine is still stiff. If there was some viral meningitus?.. Does this stay in your neck for months?
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replied February 18th, 2013
it is staying in my neck also. are you better yet
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