Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is viral meningitis? —
This is a condition that can cause a fever, headache, and stiff neck. It happens when the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord (called the "meninges") gets inflamed or infected. It is sometimes called "aseptic meningitis."
Viral meningitis is caused by a virus. Children with viral meningitis often have other symptoms of a viral infection, like conjunctivitis (pink eye), sore throat, and a rash.
Antibiotics do not work on viral meningitis, but they are used to treat meningitis caused by bacteria. Doctors sometimes give antibiotics at first if they are not sure which type of meningitis a child has. Once they know it is viral, they will stop antibiotics.
Children with viral meningitis usually recover in about 5 to 7 days. But some might still feel weak or tired for several weeks.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Give your child all their medicines as instructed.
●Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Bright lights or sunshine might bother their eyes. It might help to close the shades or curtains so they can rest in a dark room.
●Offer your child lots of fluids (like water, juice, or broth) to stay hydrated.
●Give your child a medicine like acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) to help with fever or headache. Check the package directions carefully to make sure you give the right dose. Never give aspirin to a child younger than 18 years old.
●Lower the chance of passing the infection to others:
•Wash your and your child's hands often (figure 1).
•Do not let your child share cups or silverware.
What follow-up care does my child need? —
Your child's doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment. Make sure you know when and where to go.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if your child:
●Has a seizure
●Cannot be woken up
●Loses much or all of their strength in any part of their body
Call the doctor or nurse for advice right away if your child:
●Has a severe headache that does not improve with pain medicine
●Has blurry or double vision
●Has signs of dehydration, like:
•Cannot keep any fluids down
•Does not want to drink anything
•Does not urinate for several hours
●Still has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) after 48 hours
●Is very confused or not acting like themselves
●Has clear fluid or blood coming from their back where they had a spinal tap
●Has nausea or vomiting that is not improving
●Has other symptoms that are not improving after 48 hours
Patient education: Meningitis in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Viral meningitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood culture (The Basics)
Patient education: What you should know about vaccines (The Basics)
Patient education: Meningitis in children (Beyond the Basics)
