What is the most common type of meningitis in adults?

What is the most common type of meningitis in adults?

Meningitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, followed by bacterial meningitis. Rarer types of meningitis include chemical and fungal meningitis. The most common types of bacterial meningitis are meningococcal, pneumococcal, TB, group B streptococcal and E.

How do you know what type of meningitis you have?

To determine whether a person is suffering from viral or bacterial meningitis, doctors will have to perform a lumbar puncture. This involves collecting a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to find out what is causing the meningitis.

Which type of meningitis is more serious?

While there are similarities between the two – such as common initial symptoms and the population demographics most at risk of infection – bacterial meningitis is often more severe, and can be life-threatening if not treated. In contrast, patients with viral meningitis often recover on their own within 7 to 10 days.

How do adults get meningitis?

Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette.

How long does it take to recover from meningitis?

Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.

How serious is meningitis in adults?

Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges, the tough layer of tissue that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. If not treated, meningitis can lead to brain swelling and cause permanent disability, coma, and even death.

Is adult meningitis curable?

Antibiotics can’t cure viral meningitis, and most cases improve on their own in several weeks. Treatment of mild cases of viral meningitis usually includes: Bed rest. Plenty of fluids.

Can you survive meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is serious. Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.

How long do you stay in hospital for meningitis?

People with meningitis may need to stay in hospital for a few days, and in certain cases treatment may be needed for several weeks. Even after going home, it may be a while before you feel completely back to normal.

Why do adults get meningitis?

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections. Because bacterial infections can be life-threatening, identifying the cause is essential.

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