Most people who contract meningitis can recover, but around a third of those who survive may experience after-effects. For viral meningitis, most individuals will recover fully within one to four weeks, but some may have reduced quality of life for at least a year after the illness. Bacterial meningitis recovery can take weeks to months, and some individuals may experience long-term complications despite treatment. It’s important to note that the recovery period and potential after-effects can vary from person to person.