How to Recover From Meningitis

If you are a meningitis patient, you will have been very ill. Recovery can be slow. You will not be discharged until your doctor is sure you have regained your stregnth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Beef Broth
• Bottled Water
• Chicken Broths
• Fruit Juices
• Vegetable Broths
• Yogurt
• Lip Balm
• Thermometers
• ice cream, sherbets and popsicles

1. Get plenty of rest.
2. Dim the lights and keep your environment quiet. Because meningitis affects your nervous system, limit sensory stimulation while healing.
3. Check your temperature twice a day. Any spike in temperature needs to be reported to your doctor.
4. Lubricate your lips frequently if you have residual fever blisters from the illness.
5. Drink plenty of fluids. After a lengthy feverish illness, your body is at high risk of dehydration.
6. Take your medicines. Do not stop taking your antibiotics just because you feel good, and never skip doses.
7. Give yourself time to heal. You may have bouts of confusion or forgetfulness. This is temporary.
8. Exercise moderately, per your doctor's instructions. If you have some residual paralysis, follow the range-of-motion exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.
9. Avoid people who are sick. Your immune system is already compromised.
10. Eat soft foods if regular foods cause nausea. It's better to eat broth, sherbet and yogurt for a week than to eat nothing at all.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.