Viral meningitis

Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis and, although rarely life-threatening, it can make people very unwell.

Key facts about viral meningitis

Many thousands of cases occur each year, mostly affecting babies and toddlers.
Although most people will make a full recovery, some are left with serious and debilitating meningitis after-effects.
Viral meningitis after-effects can include headaches, tiredness and memory loss.
The recovery process from viral meningitis can be very slow.
The symptoms of viral meningitis can be very similar to those of bacterial meningitis, so it is essential to seek urgent medical help if concerned.

Viral meningitis causes

Many different viruses can cause meningitis; the most common are a group called enteroviruses. These viruses live in the intestines and can commonly cause colds, sore throats, stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Only rarely do these viruses spread through the body to the meninges and cause meningitis.

There are many other viruses that can cause meningitis. The mumps virus was the most common known cause of viral meningitis in young children under five years of age before the introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

The herpes simplex virus can also cause meningitis.

Although extremely rare, some viruses can cause recurring meningitis. This is known as Mollaret’s meningitis.

Because many different viruses can cause meningitis, the way in which the virus is spread will depend on its type. For example some viruses can be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and on unwashed hands.

Can viral meningitis be prevented?

Some types of viral meningitis can be prevented with vaccination. A routine vaccination (MMR) is available as part of the Childhood Immunisation Programme to prevent meningitis caused by mumps and measles. Practising good hygiene, such as washing hands after going to the toilet, will help to prevent the spread of viruses that are passed in faeces.

Who gets viral meningitis and why?

Viral meningitis can affect any age group, but is more common in babies and children.
Babies and young children are more at risk because their body’s defences are not fully developed. If the virus invades the body, their immune system cannot provide resistance to fight off infection.

How is viral meningitis treated?

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses although, in some instances, antibiotics may be started on admission to hospital because the cause of meningitis is not known. For more information on this, visit our section on meningitis treatment.

Need more information on viral meningitis?

You can download our viral meningitis fact sheet. Or, if you have a question, you can speak to experienced staff on our freephone helpline, available 24-hours a day: 0808 80 10 388, or you can email us at helpline@meningitis-trust.org and we will come back to you as soon as we can.