How long do symptoms of meningitis take to appear?
Typically, symptoms of bacterial meningitis develop within 3 to 7 days after exposure; note, this is not true for TB meningitis, which can develop much later after exposure to the bacteria. People with bacterial meningitis can have seizures, go into a coma, and even die.
How long does adult meningitis last?
Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.
Can meningitis symptoms come on slowly?
Bacterial meningitis may be subacute rather than acute. Chronic meningitis develops slowly, over weeks or longer, and may last for months to years. Rarely, chronic meningitis causes only mild symptoms and resolves on its own.
Is there an incubation period for meningitis?
Symptoms. The average incubation period is four days, but can range between two and 10 days. The most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches and vomiting.
Can you have meningitis without knowing?
Viral meningitis usually begins with symptoms of a viral infection, such as fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. However, occasionally, people have no symptoms at first. Later, people have symptoms that suggest meningitis.
How long can meningitis be left untreated?
Bacterial meningitis – bacterial meningitis has a sudden onset, and can cause serious health problems, or even death, within 24 hours if left untreated. If treated early, the symptoms of bacterial meningitis can improve in as little as 2-3 days.
Can you have meningitis for weeks and not know?
If people have any of these symptoms during the weeks or months after having a corticosteroid injection in their back, they should call their doctor. Occasionally, chronic meningitis persists for months or even years, but no organisms are identified, and death does not result.
What does meningitis look like in adults?
In babies and adults, a meningitis rash may look like the following: tiny red, pink, brown, or purple pinprick marks (petechiae) on the skin. purple bruise-like marks. blotchy-appearing areas of skin.
Are there any signs or symptoms of meningitis?
Symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. In the early stages, there may not be a rash or the rash may fade on pressure.
When to go to the doctor for meningitis?
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: These symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear. You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned that you or your child could have meningitis. Trust your instincts and don’t wait until a rash develops.
What to do if you think your child has meningitis?
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis. Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include: These symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear. You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned that you or your child could have meningitis.
When to call 999 if you have meningitis?
Check paler areas, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet , roof of the mouth, tummy, whites of the eyes or the inside of the eyelids. If a rash does not fade under a glass, it can be a sign of sepsis (sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning) caused by meningitis and you should call 999 straight away.