Treatments for Meningococcal Infections in Children

Prompt treatment is imperative with meningococcal infections. Also, if your child is in close contact with a person who has a meningococcal infection, such as a roommate, parent, sibling, daycare worker, classmate, boyfriend or girlfriend, she is at an increased risk and may need antibiotics.

Traditional treatments for meningococcal infections

Treatment for a meningococcal infection usually includes:

• Antibiotics
  • such as penicillin (if your child is allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics may be used)
  • Five to seven days of antibiotics is usually effective
• Hospitalization
  • Your child may require close observation in a hospital or intensive care unit (ICU).
  • She will require isolation for 24 hours after antibiotics have been administered.
  • If your child has a severe infection, she may require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing.
  • If your child develops severe bleeding, she may require blood transfusions.
• Supportive
  • aimed at relieving symptoms
  • plenty of rest
  • Tylenol for fever or headaches