Question
What are the treatment methods for viral meningitis?
Answer
In addition to using acyclovir or arabinosylcytosine, there is no specific effective treatment for viral encephalitis at present. Generally, symptomatic and supportive therapies are adopted, providing adequate nutrition, fluids, and electrolytes. Measures such as lowering body temperature and anticonvulsants are used according to symptoms. Comatose patients should receive good care, with attention to skin and oral hygiene, regular turning, back patting, and sputum aspiration to prevent secondary infection. During the acute phase, it is important to reduce intracranial pressure, which can be achieved by using 20% mannitol solution for dehydration. Severe cases may require short-term treatment with adrenal cortical hormones. Traditional Chinese medicine and herbal treatments can also be tried. These are suggestions for the question ‘What should I do if I get viral meningitis?’ and I hope they will be helpful to you. Wishing you good health!