Reducing Fever Caused By Meningitis
Fever-reducing medications and other comfort measures can make you feel better while your body fights off meningitis.
Fever is a common symptom of meningitis. While bacterial meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection that should be treated in a hospital, viral meningitis is usually mild enough to be managed at home with fever-reducing medications and other comfort measures.
What Causes a Fever?
Fever is the body’s response to infection. “It’s the way the immune system fights off viruses and bacteria,” says Ari Brown, MD, spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and author of several pediatric books. Many types of viruses and bacteria don’t like hot temperatures. In some ways, a fever is a good thing because it means the immune system is working to knock out the infection.
“Fever is rarely dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable," says Dr. Brown. Bringing down a fever will make you feel better while the viral meningitis infection runs its course.
A number of over-the-counter medicines will lower a fever by turning down the brain’s thermostat. These medications can be used to lower a fever and reduce pain and discomfort:
“Ibuprofen seems to work a little faster, last longer, and bring the fever down more than acetaminophen,” says Brown.
You can also alternate the two medications, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, to increase the number of times a fever-reducer is given throughout the day. Each has a maximum dose that should not be exceeded, but since they are two different types of medications, they can be used together. Alternating the time intervals is thought to possibly help speed or sustain fever reduction.
Ibuprofen shouldn’t be given to babies younger than 6 months. And while aspirin is an effective fever-reducer in adults, it should never be given to children because of its association with Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disease that can damage the brain, liver, and other parts of the body.
Treating Meningitis With Fever-Reducing Fluids
Drinking fluids will also help lower a fever by cooling the body’s internal temperature and can also help replace lost fluids.
“Fluids are an essential meningitis treatment because they help prevent dehydration, which can make it harder for the body to fight the meningitis infection,” says Brown, who recommends water or rehydration solutions.
Other top-notch fever reducers are:
- Frozen pops
- Snow cones
- Slushy drinks
Don’t worry if you don't feel like eating too much. “Fluids are more important than food during the early stages of viral meningitis,” says Brown.
Other Ways to Reduce a Fever
A cooling pad placed on the bed or a cool, wet washcloth on the forehead can help reduce a spiking fever. If that doesn’t help, try a lukewarm bath or sponge bath. Take the bath about 30 minutes after the fever-reducer medication is taken, suggests Brown. The combination of medicine and cooling water may lower the fever enough to allow sleep, one of the best remedies for viral meningitis.
Do not use cold baths or alcohol rubs to lower fever. They could make the fever worse by causing shivering, which can raise body temperature.
Other Comfort Measures
Turn down the heat in the bedroom, or run a fan to get the air circulating. Nothing feels better to a feverish person than a nice breeze. Opening a window can also help with ventilation, easing discomfort.
Take off extra blankets or use lightweight blankets. Bundling up too much will cause the body to heat up, making a fever more bothersome. Dress in lightweight sleepwear or clothing that you can easily remove if the fever makes you feel overheated, recommends Brown.
In most cases, these remedies will ease the discomfort of viral meningitis. Complete recovery from the illness may take two weeks, but the fever typically only lasts a few days.