Symptoms

• The CDC reports that the symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, headache, body aches and nausea. Bacterial meningitis is usually accompanied by high fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion and fatigue.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Viral and bacterial meningitis are both diagnosed by laboratory tests of the patient's spinal fluid, reports the CDC. Identifying which type of meningitis the patient has is important to determine treatment.
  
  

Treatment

• According to the CDC, both types of meningitis are treated with heavy doses of antibiotics. In order to treat bacterial meningitis it is important to begin antibiotics early to prevent the progression of the disease.
  
  

Considerations

• The NMA warns that meningitis is contagious and can be spread through coughing, kissing, and direct contact with people who are infected. As with other diseases, it is important to keep hands clean and sanitize high-traffic public areas to prevent the spread of the infection.
  
  

Vaccination

• According to the NMA, a vaccine against bacterial meningitis is available and can protect against approximately 70 percent of the strains present in the United States. There is no vaccine for viral meningitis.