Viral Meningitis Facts and Information - Disabled World - 1 views
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Meningitis involves an inflammation of the membranes or, "meninges," that cover a person's spinal cord and brain.
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Meningitis caused by a viral infection is sometimes referred to as, 'aseptic meningitis,' and is serious, although rarely fatal in people with average immune systems.
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Additional and more rare causes of meningitis include parasites, fungi, and causes that are non-infectious such as ones related to drugs.
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While different viral infections can lead to viral meningitis, the majority of people who get viral meningitis in America, especially during the summer or fall, get it because of the, 'enteroviruses.'
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dditional viral infections that may lead to meningitis include herpesvirus, mumps, influenza, measles, and the varicella-zoster virus, which is the cause of both shingles and chickenpox.
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The, 'lymphocytic choriomeningitis,' virus, a virus spread by rodents, is also a cause of viral meningitis, although it is rare.
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he majority of people with viral meningitis recover on their own within a couple of weeks. Antibiotics do not help with viral infections and are not useful in treating viral meningitis.
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Nausea Stiff neck Vomiting High fever Sleepiness Lack of appetite Severe headache Trouble waking up Sensitivity to bright light
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Bacterial meningitis is another story – it can be extremely serious and may result in either disability or death if it is not treated quickly.
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Finding the exact cause of viral meningitis can sometimes be achieved through tests that show which virus a person is infected with, although identifying the exact virus causing meningitis can be difficult.
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Due to the fact that the symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to the ones of bacterial meningitis which is often more severe and has the potential to be fatal, it is important for people who are suspected of having meningitis to pursue medical care, and have their spinal fluid tested.
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A diagnosis of viral meningitis is usually achieved through laboratory tests of a person's spinal fluid, gained through a, 'spinal tap.'
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Following these good hygiene practices will help to reduce your chances of becoming infected with a virus, or giving one so someone else:
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he mumps, varicella-zoster, and enteroviruses can also spread through either direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions such as sputum, saliva, or nasal mucus from a person who has been infected
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The viruses may also remain on surfaces for days, transferring from other objects, or spread directly when a person who is infected coughs or sneezes, sending droplets containing the virus into the air another person breathes.
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The period of time involved from when a person first becomes infected until they develop symptoms is referred to as the, 'incubation period.' The incubation period for enteroviruses is between 3 and 7 days.
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A person who is infected is commonly contagious from the time they first develop symptoms until they no longer experience symptoms. People with low immune systems and children might spread the infection even after their symptoms have disappeared.
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Following good hygiene practices can help you to reduce the spread of viruses like measles, mumps, herpesviruses, and enteroviruses
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Preventing the various viral infections that are out there from infecting you involves some specific measures.
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Preventing the spread of these viruses can be hard because people who have become infected may not seem to be sick and have the ability to spread them to other people
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he different viruses that cause viral meningitis are spread in different ways. Enteroviruses, for example, are the most common cause of viral meningitis and are most often spread through direct contact with the stool of a person who is infected.
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Clean doorknobs, handles, the TV remote control – clean them with soap and water and then disinfect them with a bleach-based cleaning product or a solution of ¼ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.
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Viruses that cause viral meningitis can spread through either direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions; it is important to cover your cough with a tissue or at least your upper arm. Once you have used a tissue, throw it away. Wash Your Hands!
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Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses, or other items with people who are sick or others if you are sick. Avoid bites from insects and mosquitoes that have the potential to carry diseases that can infect you - it can help to reduce your risk for viral meningitis.
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There are vaccinations that can help to protect children against some of the diseases that may lead to viral meningitis, such as the measles and mumps vaccine (MMR), and the chickenpox vaccine.
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Wash your hands thoroughly, and wash them often. It is particularly important to wash your hands after using the toilet, changing a diaper, blowing your nose, or coughing.