Meningitis how long does it take

Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together. Be aware of all the signs and symptoms. There are many different causes of meningitis, but the two most common organisms are viruses and bacteria.

Meningitis can strike quickly, but its impact can last a lifetime. We know that meningitis and septicaemia can turn your world upside down, leaving many with after-effects. They also may have a fever or bulging fontanelle soft spot on head. Bacterial meningitis can be very serious. So if you see symptoms or think that your child could have meningitis, it's important to see the doctor right away.

If meningitis is suspected, the doctor will order tests, probably including a lumbar puncture spinal tap to collect a sample of spinal fluid. This test will show any signs of inflammation and whether the infection is due to a virus or bacteria.

Most cases of viral meningitis end within 7 to 10 days. Some people might need to be treated in the hospital, although kids usually can recover at home if they're not too ill. Treatment to ease symptoms includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medicine.

If bacterial meningitis is diagnosed — or even suspected — doctors will start intravenous IV antibiotics as soon as possible. Fluids may be given to replace those lost to fever, sweating, vomiting, and poor appetite. Complications of bacterial meningitis might need extra treatment. Someone with shock or low blood pressure might get more IV fluids and medicines to increase blood pressure. Some kids may need extra oxygen or mechanical ventilation if they have trouble breathing. Bacterial meningitis complications can be severe and include neurological problems, such as hearing loss, vision problems, seizures , and learning disabilities.

Because impaired hearing is a common complication, those who've had bacterial meningitis should have a hearing test after they recover. The heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands also might be affected, depending on the cause of the infection. If a doctor suspects meningitis, they will collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid fluid near the spinal cord. A laboratory will test the samples to see what is causing the infection. Knowing the specific cause of meningitis helps doctors treat it.

Doctors treat bacterial meningitis with a number of antibiotics. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Vaccines are the most effective way to protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for 4 types of bacteria that can cause meningitis:.

Make sure you and your child are vaccinated on schedule. The vaccines also do not protect against infections from all the types strains of each of these bacteria. For these reasons, there is still a chance vaccinated people can develop bacterial meningitis. When someone has bacterial meningitis, a doctor may recommend antibiotics to help prevent people around the patient from getting sick. Doctors call this prophylaxis. CDC recommends prophylaxis for:. Pregnant women should talk to their doctor or midwife about getting tested for group B Streptococcus.

Women receive the test when they are 36 through 37 weeks pregnant. Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord meninges.

It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning septicaemia and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.

These symptoms can appear in any order.