Viral Meningitis vrs Bacterial Meningitis Questions.?

I had the Meningitis vaccine back in 2002; however have been experiencing symtoms related to Viral Meningitis for the past week (symptoms peaking 4 days ago). While the vaccine is said to help prevent bacterial meningitis, is there still a possibility that with symptoms lasting this long it could be bacterial instead of viral?

I am aware that viral can last up to 14 days, and can not be treated with antibiotics. I am just trying to decide if I should see the doctor and have the spinal tap test to rule out bacterial.

Background info:
Vaccine in 2002
Syptoms: stiff neck for past 5 days, upset stomach, naseau, and headache.
Have not had: fever or chills

The symptoms of viral meningitis include sudden high fever, nuchal rigidity ( neck stiffness so severe that you can't lower your chin to your chest), vomiting, weakness and severe persistent headache. Symptoms can also include dizzy spells, confusion, seizures, eye photosensitivity, rash, muscle aches, weakness and tingling. A doctor will be looking for a specific combination: the fever, headache and nuchal rigidity.

The viral form is treated with supportive care, resolves itself and isn't nearly as dangerous as the bacterial form. Although the symptoms of bacterial and viral are basically the same, bacterial comes on suddenly and viral develops gradually over a matter of days and sometimes weeks.

My guess is you have garden-variety flu but feel free to see a doctor, it's your co-pay. You already stated that you know viral meningitis can last up to 14 days and this is usual. What do you mean by your symptoms "lasting this long"? It's been only 5 days.

Thank you for choosing my answer as the best one & for the clarification. Give it another 7 days. If you haven't developed the classic triad - high fever, nuchal rigidity, and severe headache - by now, you most likely won't. Report It

A Viral infection in the lining of the brain is serious stuff. do you really want to risk it?

If you suspect that you have meningitis you need to go to the hospital immediately!

I understand your reluctance to get a spinal tap however meningitis can kill you.

Also they can give you medicine that will help with the pain once they make a positive diagnosis.

Good Luck.