The difference between viral and bacterial meningitis is that viral are caused by virus and usually present milder symptoms that the bacterial, that are more serious and caused by bacteria.
The symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those of the flu, with fever and headache, and nape is stiff and sore.
The majority of cases of viral meningitis hassle free it's the treatment it aims only control the symptoms through medicines for pain and fever.
Already the bacterial meningitis is well more dangerous than viral meningitis, and can lead to death if not diagnosed early. The treatment is made with medicines antibiotics specific to the type of bacteria.
The types of bacterial meningitis bacteria are caused by bacteria. meningococcus, pneumococcus and haemophylus.
Among the 3 types, the meningococcal meningitis is the one that is transmitted more easily by the respiratory route and also the most fearsome of the bacterial meningites, because it presents / displays a clinical picture more severe and of more rapid evolution.
Already the pneumococcal and the haemophylus are less frequent, since the vaccines are very effective in preventing these two types of meningitis.
What are the symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis?
THE viral meningitis characterized by the sudden appearance of:
- Headache;
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light);
- Stiff neck;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Fever.
Already the bacterial meningitis presents as main signs and symptoms:
Children over 1 year of age and adults:
- High fever with sudden onset;
- Intense and continuous headache;
- Vomiting in a jet;
- Nausea;
- Stiff neck;
- Small red spots on the skin (meningococcal meningitis);
- Infants under 1 year of age:
- Tense or raised moleira;
- Irritability;
- Restlessness;
- I cry acute and persistent;
- Body stiffness with or without seizures.
See too:
Is meningitis contagious? How does transmission occur?
How do I know if I have meningitis?
In order to prevent complications and possible sequelae, it is essential to consult the general practitioner, family doctor or infectologist as soon as symptoms begin.
Read more about the possible sequels of meningitis in: Does meningitis leave sequelae?
