Though viral meningitis may clear up on its own, several other types, including bacterial meningitis, require antibiotic treatment.
Antibiotics treat many bacterial infections by killing bacteria or making it difficult for bacteria to multiply. Antibiotics do not work on viral infections.
In order to be effective, antibiotic treatment must begin quickly after the onset of symptoms. Delays of as little as 3–6 hours increase mortality rates, according to a 2022 paperTrusted Source. Doctors will identify the type of bacteria causing the infection in order to choose the right antibiotic.
