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Meningitis: the facts you need to know

Student Health and Welfare

What's New: Bacterial Meningitis and Swine Flu - The differences between the symptoms

Freshers and meningitis

Any student entering higher education for the first time should have been vaccinated against meningitis C, ideally before coming to the University. This applies to all freshers, regardless of age. If you have not already been immunised before arrival, this can be done by your college doctor.

It is important to remember that this vaccination only gives protection against the group C strain of meningitis, which used to account for 40% of all meningitis cases in students. You should be vigilant for the signs and symptoms of the group B strain of meningitis.


Vital signs

The symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia are:

  • High temperature or fever
  • Being violently sick
  • Severe headache
  • Neck stiffness (can't touch your chin to your chest)
  • Joint or muscle pains
  • Feeling drowsy or lethargic
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Rapid deterioration of health
  • Rash of tiny red/purple pin prick spots, which may spread to look like fresh bruising.

    testing spots by pressing a glass against them





In the majority of cases, the rash does not disappear when pressed firmly, for example if you were to press a glass against it (as in the above picture). The rash is harder to see on dark skin.

Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear, they may not.

Meningitis is a relatively rare disease, with between 2,500 and 3,000 cases being reported each year. Meningococcal disease, which can cause both meningitis and septicaemia, has a fatality rate between 10 per cent and 30 per cent. If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia:

  • Don't wait for all the symptoms to appear, if you are concerned that someone is unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
  • Explain why you are concerned, describing the symptoms carefully. Ask for advice.
  • Be prepared to insist, and ask if it could be meningitis.
  • If it is meningitis or septicaemia, early diagnosis and treatment are vital.
  • If your doctor is not available, go immediately to the nearest casualty department. Delay could be fatal.
  • If someone is ill and getting worse, even if they have already had medical attention, seek medical attention again.

Be caring: drop in on your friends if they do not appear when you are expecting them at a lecture, at a meal etc. You might save a life! Have a look at this 6 minute video produced by the University of Bath to give you an idea.

Name

Phone number

Meningitis Research Foundation (24 hour helpline)

0800 8800 3344

National Meningitis Trust

0800 028 1828