It is caused by several different bugs – usually a bacteria or a virus.
Viral meningitis is more common and less serious. Usually you just get
a headache and feel unwell for a bit. It may not make you feel bad enough to go to
the doctor – and it isn’t worth going. Viral meningitis gets better on its own and
antibiotics are a waste of time and money. They also increase the chances of the odd
bacteria in your body becoming resistant to later treatment.
Bacterial Meningitis is the worrying one. There are two main types, caused by
bugs called meningococcus and pneumococcus. There used to be a third bug called
hemophilus influenza, but that kind has almost disappeared now that children are
immunised against it. Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated with antibiotics, fast.
