1. Control Your Fever Symptoms
Technically speaking, viral meningitis cannot be cured or even directly treated. Viral infections can only be destroyed by the antibodies your immune system produces to ward off microbial intruders.
Therefore, your doctor will direct your treatment towards symptom management. Most cases of viral meningitis run their course without complications in 1 to 2 weeks, and symptoms tend to be relatively mild. Use acetaminophen to treat your fever symptoms and speed up your body's fight against the virus by keeping your intake of clear fluids high. When treating a child with viral meningitis, make sure you don't administer aspirin. Aspirin can be dangerous--even deadly--to young children.
2. Get Plenty of Rest in a Quiet Room
Viral meningitis can cause head pressure and headaches, so bright lights and loud noise can severely irritate recovering patients. You'll need plenty of rest to fight off the virus, and it's best to stay in a quiet, darkened room and avoid unnecessary interpersonal contact to keep these symptoms at bay.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention if Complications Develop
If your headaches grow increasingly severe, it is imperative that you get to a doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms indicate swelling and fluid buildup in the brain, which must be relieved at once. Otherwise, brain damage and even death can occur.
Other complications include potential hearing and vision loss. If your vision becomes blurry or your ability to hear diminishes, get to a hospital. The onset of these symptoms is usually gradual and rarely sudden.
Since meningitis cannot be cured outright and serious complications can develop, you may be hospitalized as a precautionary measure. This will help your doctor monitor your condition closely and reduce the possible spread of the virus that caused your illness.
