How is viral meningitis treated?

• A. Antibiotics only
• B. Antiviral therapy only
• C. Rest, plenty of fluids, and fever-reducing medications
• D. Corticosteroids only

Answer: (C)

Viral meningitis is treated mainly with supportive care because most infections resolve on their own. The key is to keep the person comfortable and hydrated while the body fights the virus. Rest helps the immune system focus on recovery, plenty of fluids prevent dehydration, and fever-reducing medications (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) help control fever and headache. Antibiotics aren’t needed for typical viral meningitis since they don’t treat viruses, though they may be started right away if bacterial meningitis can’t be ruled out and are stopped once cultures show a viral cause. Antiviral therapy is reserved for specific viral causes (for example, herpes simplex virus) and isn’t used for most viral meningitis cases. Corticosteroids aren’t routinely used in viral meningitis. So, the best approach is supportive care with symptom relief.