Common symptoms in babies:
- Fever
- Irritability
- Poor eating
- Sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep
- Lethargy (a lack of energy)
Common symptoms in children and adults:
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Photophobia (eyes being more sensitive to light)
- Sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy (a lack of energy)
Most people with mild viral meningitis usually get better on their own within 7 to 10 days.
Initial symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those for bacterial meningitis. However, bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can cause serious complications, such as brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disabilities. The pathogens (germs) that cause bacterial meningitis can also be associated with another serious illness, sepsis.