What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can be very serious if not treated quickly, with fatal cases potentially resulting in hearing loss, limb loss and brain damage. Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through sneezing, coughing and kissing, and carriers of the meningococcal bacteria often are not ill themselves.
Why is it important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis?
Meningitis is one of the major health risks for young adults in their first year at university. Older teenagers and new university students are at higher risk of infection because many of them mix closely with lots of new people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
How can you protect yourself against meningitis?
- You can familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of meningitis. Early detection and prevention is essential in responding to cases of meningitis, so make sure you are well informed.
- Sign up to a GP surgery and make sure you are up to date with your vaccines. Students aged 18-25 can get the MenACWY vaccine for free, so speak to your GP and get vaccinated as soon as you can.
Get informed
Meningitis can progress quickly, so early treatment is essential. Know the signs and symptoms of meningitis (and septicaemia)
Symptoms:
- Fever and/or vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Limb, joint, muscle pain, stiff neck
- Cold hands and feet, shivering
- Pale or mottled skin, or rash
- Breathing fast, breathless
- Dislike of bright lights, seizures (fits)
- Very sleepy, difficult to wake, vacant, confused or delirious
Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can appear in any order and not everyone has all the symptoms.
How can I get vaccinated?
If you are a student under 25 years of age and have not yet had the MenACWY vaccine, ask your GP or visit NHS.UK to find out about MenACWY vaccine. If you are unsure if you have had the vaccine, check with your GP.
Look out for your mates. Tell someone if you or someone else is ill. Check in regularly to make sure they are okay or so that someone knows you are okay.
Seek medical advice quickly if you are worried, call NHS 111. Act fast – if someone is ill and getting wore quickly, get medical help immediately, and call 999 in a medical emergency.
If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you can contact 111 by text on 18001 111 or by 111 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service, which can be accessed here.
If you are an international student, you may have a different vaccination schedule but you will be eligible for vaccination once in the UK. Register at a GP so you can get up to date.
