Many universities will face at least one case of meningitis in the first term alone.
You may have seen something on the news recently about the outbreak in Kent.
Meningitis can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time, but teenagers and young adults are at increased risk. Students can be more vulnerable to meningitis because of living in more 'cramped' housing or halls of residence. In many cases, young people come together from all over the world to live, study and socialise together. They will be exposed to bacteria and viruses their bodies have not met before. This is why so many new students get ‘freshers' flu’.
As early symptoms of meningitis can be similar to common illnesses such as flu or even a hangover, it’s easy to mistake meningitis for something else.
Watch for:
- Fever, vomiting & cold hands/feet
- Severe headache & stiff neck
- Aversion to light or confusion
- Unexplained drowsiness
DO NOT wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts - Get medical help immediately.
Find out more at www.meningitisnow.org.
Call the Meningitis helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org
A vaccine is available for students up to the age of 25. Find out more here.