Viral meningitis, also known as aseptic meningitis, is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system. It is caused by a virus that inflames the protective layers of the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, and vomiting. Although not as severe as bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis can be a serious illness. There are several synonyms for viral meningitis. These include aseptic meningitis, non-bacterial meningitis, and sterile meningitis. All of these terms refer to the same condition, but they express different aspects of the disease. Aseptic meningitis emphasizes the absence of bacterial infection, non-bacterial meningitis highlights the different causes of meningitis, and sterile meningitis stresses the lack of pus formation. Understanding the varying synonyms for viral meningitis can broaden one's perspective on this medical condition.