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