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why give antibiotics for viral meningitis?

H.N news said there is a viral meningitis outbreak at a California college and they were giving the students antibiotics to prevent infection. Does antibiotics protect against viral meningitis? I thought antibiotics only help protect against bacteria? the news specifically said it was VIRAL meningitis and that ANTIBIOTICS were being given as a result. Is this normal? is this effective?

Update:

The news said it was to prevent VIRAL MENINGITIS [and NOT any type of secondary infections].

1 Answer

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  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    Antibiotics may be being given to stop secondary infection while the immune response is weak due to the meningitis. You're right though, an antibiotic has no effect on a virus

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