When should I take acyclovir for meningitis?
In herpetic viral infections, acyclovir is significantly beneficial only if given very early in the course of the infection. Suspected cases should be treated as soon as possible; in cases complicated by seizures, encephalitis is assumed and acyclovir should be initiated.
Which medicine can fight viral meningitis?
Commonly used meningitis treatments include a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, especially Claforan (cefotaxime) and Rocephin (ceftriaxone). Various penicillin-type antibiotics, aminoglycoside drugs such as gentamicin, and others, are also used.
Do steroids help viral meningitis?
Early treatment of meningitis with steroids may prevent some common meningitis complications. Prompt treatment of meningitis with corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, may prevent two common complications associated with the condition, hearing loss and seizures.
What is the death rate of viral meningitis?
It is now endemic in North America and carries a 4 to 13% fatality rate. Mortality is higher in patients who are elderly, immunosuppressed, or have diabetes.
How long is viral meningitis contagious?
Viral meningitis can be contagious from 3 days after infection starts to about 10 days after symptoms develop. Bacterial meningitis is usually less contagious than viral meningitis. It’s generally contagious during the incubation period and an additional 7 to 14 days.
When do you give steroids in meningitis?
Since early therapy reduces morbidity and mortality,17 treatment with dexamethasone and antibiotics should be initiated before lumbar puncture in all patients with suspected meningitis who must undergo cranial CT first. Two important issues are the duration and timing of dexamethasone therapy.
Why take steroids before antibiotics for meningitis?
Dexamethasone reduces morbidity and mortality in bacterial meningitis by blunting the inflammatory response secondary to bacterial lysis, which frequently causes detrimental physiologic effects. Dexamethasone should be given prior (20 minutes before) or concurrently with antibiotics.
What is the prognosis for viral meningitis?
In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. 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.
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