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24-hour nurse-led helplines
UK: 0800 028 18 28
Ireland: 1800 523 196
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Copyright Meningitis Trust 2007

Registered charity number: England and Wales 803016, Scotland SC037790,
Ireland CHY No. 14722

Terms and Conditions
   
 
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 freephone, nurse-led helpline on (UK) 0800 028 18 28 or
(Ireland) 1800 523 196.

We're here 24 hours a day.