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 in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED, and the doctor thinks they have "meningitis." This is when the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord (called the "meninges") gets inflamed or infected. It can happen after a child has an infection in another part of their body. Meningitis can cause a fever, headache, and other symptoms.
The doctor thinks your child's meningitis is caused by a virus. 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.
If your child's meningitis is viral, they will probably get better in about 5 to 7 days. But they might still feel weak or tired for several weeks.
You might be waiting on your child's test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
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:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Help your child take all their medicines as instructed.
●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.
●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 plenty of fluids (like water, juice, or broth) to stay hydrated.
●Wash your and your child's hands often. Do not let them share cups or silverware with others. This helps prevent spreading the infection.
When should I get emergency help?
●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
●Return to the ED if:
•Your child's headache gets suddenly worse and does not get better with pain medicine.
•Your child has blurry or double vision.
•Your child cannot keep any fluids down, has not had anything to drink in many hours, and has 1 or more of these:
-Is less alert than usual, very sleepy, or much less active
-Is crying all the time
-Does not urinate in over 12 hours
-Has cool skin
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if your child:
●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
●Has nausea or vomiting that is not improving
●Has other symptoms that are not improving after 48 hours
●Has new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Meningitis in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Viral meningitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Meningitis in children (Beyond the Basics)
