This is quite fortunate, since there are no antibiotic treatments available for most viruses and we must therefore let viral meningitis run its course by itself. Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, must be treated with antibiotics in most cases to avoid severe consequences. This can take 3-5 days . Since inflammation and resulting swelling seem to be the main cause of brain damage from meningitis, steroids have been used in some cases to help lessen the inflammation. Steroids usually are given along with antibiotics, and may not be appropriate in all cases of meningitis.
Meningococcal infection can cause meningitis, sepsis, or both.
In severe cases the infection can result in shock and death within a few hours even if treated. In the past penicillin G has been sufficient treatment for meningococcal infection. Antibiotics for someone with possible meningococcal infection are chosen initially according to whether or not resistance has been seen in previous patients with meningococcus, since there may not be enough time to culture the patient's own bacteria and test different antibiotics against it. Groups B and C are the groups most often seen in the United States. The A vaccine will provide immunity to patients 3 months or older, but the C component is effective in children 2 years or older.