Baby constantly poorly after having viral meningitis

[Debbietaylor85]

My baby boy had viral meningitis at 4 months old last April. He was hospitalised for 4 days and then discharged but it took him a good month to fully recover from it. Ever since the viral meningitis he is constantly poorly like every other week. He’s had ear infections, tonsillitis, bronchiolitis, colds. You name it he’s had it! Now I know being a baby they pick up lots of things, but every other week I’m either at the drs or in A&E with him. He just seems to be poorly all of the time! Gets rid of one thing and is fine for a few days and then bam he’s struck with something else. Could this be an after effect from the viral meningitis? Like could it have caused his immune system to be really really low where he’s just picking up everything he comes into contact with ?? Has anyone else had this problem after having viral meningitis?

[Rozey]

Hi Debbie

I think it’s normal. I had VM in July 2018 and although I am fully recovered I do pick up any illness which is going around.

Before VM I didn’t have a day off sick.

I’m 34 if that’s helpful.

I have daily vitamins, immune boosters, constant anti bac hand cream but I am still ill at least once a month.

Doctor said to me that my immune system would be low for some time but I had no idea that it would be for this long.

Sorry I have got any solution x

[Poppy97]

Hi Debbie, sorry to hear your little one has been so poorly. I had viral meningitis 2 years ago and still don't feel 'back to normal' in terms of energy levels. Vitamin supplements are really important as if he is unwell regularly this will prob affect appetite as well. My son at 2yrs had bacterial meningitis and had been poorly on and off with every infection going prior to this. I pushed for him to see an ENT specialist and he had his tonsils and adenoids removed and insertion of grommets. He is nearly 12 now and since sorting his ENT problems no further infections/healthy. It's just worth considering. You can ask your Health visitor for audiology referral to start with. Any further ear nose throat infections make sure you get gp to log them. Criteria now is crazy but could consider a private consulation if he continues to be unwell over next 6-12 months. Good luck with everything.

[Debbietaylor85 in reply to Poppy97]

Thanks for this. I’m definitely going to be logging everything.