What is the recommended management protocol for a child diagnosed with viral meningitis in primary care?

Recommended management protocol for a child diagnosed with viral meningitis in primary care:

• Viral meningitis is generally a self-limiting illness and does not require antibiotics or antiviral medication in primary care.

• Provide supportive care including ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, especially in young children.

• Advise parents or carers to monitor the child closely for any signs of deterioration such as persistent or severe headache, fever, confusion, seizures, or lethargy, which may indicate central nervous system involvement requiring urgent hospital referral.

• Manage fever and pain with paracetamol or ibuprofen if the child appears distressed, but do not use antipyretics solely to reduce temperature.

• Advise on home care measures including maintaining hydration, a soft diet if oral discomfort is present, and good hygiene to reduce transmission risk.

• Arrange urgent hospital admission if there are any signs of serious illness or neurological involvement.

• Provide safety-netting advice to parents about when to seek further medical help, including if the child becomes more unwell, develops a non-blanching rash, has seizures, or if fever persists beyond 5 days.

In summary, primary care management of viral meningitis in children focuses on supportive care, monitoring, and prompt referral if clinical deterioration occurs.

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