Meningitis information

Treatment

Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia are medical emergencies and need immediate treatment with antibiotics, together with admission to hospital. Some people will be cared for on a general ward, with close observation. Others may need to be cared for in an intensive care unit where their condition can be more closely monitored. The length of time spent in hospital varies depending on the severity of the disease.

You'll find more information on the treatment of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia here.

Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, but can still make people very unwell. Most people with viral meningitis recover without needing hospital treatment.

Those who do need admission to hospital are treated with pain relief and rest. As with bacterial meningitis, the length of time spent in hospital will vary.

If you would like further information about any aspect of treatment, please call our 24-hour freephone helpline on 0800 028 18 28 (UK) or 1800 523 196 (Ireland).

We are here 24 hours a day.