Can you catch viral meningitis

There is no specific medication for viral meningitis. People usually recover completely from viral meningitis. However, you may be admitted to hospital so doctors can rule out other, more serious causes of infection. There is no vaccine for viral meningitis. There are vaccines available for other types of bacterial meningitis. This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care.

Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change.

All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions. Skip to navigation Skip to main content Site map Accessibility Contact us. Search this site Search all sites Search. Go to whole of WA Government Search. Open search bar Open navigation Submit search. Health conditions. Facebook Youtube Twitter. How meningitis is spread The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing coughing kissing The infection is usually spread by people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat, but are not ill themselves.

It's possible to get meningitis more than once. Who's most at risk? Anyone can potentially get meningitis, but it's more common in: babies and young children teenagers and young adults elderly people people with a weak immune system — for example, those with HIV and those having chemotherapy You can reduce the risk of getting meningitis by ensuring all your vaccinations are up-to-date.

Find out more about meningitis vaccinations Page last reviewed: 08 March Next review due: 08 March What is meningitis? After meningitis Meningitis can strike quickly, but its impact can last a lifetime. Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, but can leave you with lifelong after-effects.

All causes of meningitis are serious and need medical attention. Meningitis can strike quickly and kill within hours, so urgent medical attention is essential. Vaccines are the only way to prevent meningitis, and until we have vaccines to prevent all types, you need to know the signs and symptoms to look out for and the action to take.

Most people will make a good recovery, but some will suffer life-long after-effects and complications.