Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding and protecting the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses and bacteria, and can also lead to septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Keep yourself safe; know the symptoms to look out for.
Symptoms can include the following - only some of these symptoms may show:
Severe headache
High temperature/fever
Vomiting
Stiff neck
Dislike of bright lights
Pale, blotchy skin
Drowsiness/lethargy
Joint pains
Cold hands and feet
Rash of red/purple spots which looks like bruising under the skin and which does not fade when a glass is rolled over it.
If you are worried that you or someone else may have the symptoms of meningitis, seek immediate medical advice from the Medical Centre on 01202 965378 or get in touch with your own GP. If the situation appears to be an emergency, call 999.
Vaccinations:
There are several strains of meningitis; the MenACWY vaccine protects against four strains of the bacterial infection, but not the MenB strain. The vaccination is offered to teenagers and also to first-time college and university students who haven't already had the vaccination. If you haven’t had the vaccination, or had it as a child and may require a booster, please contact the Medical Centre or your GP.
The vaccination won’t protect you against other strains of the disease, such as MenB, so it's very important to remain vigilant, whether you have been vaccinated or not. The MenB vaccine is typically given to children up to the age of two years.
More information:
Early diagnosis and treatment are the best defence against meningitis, which is a serious disease, so it is important that you know and can recognise the symptoms. Find out more about protecting yourself against meningitis and septicaemia on the NHS website, FAQs on the Men ACWY vaccine, or watch A Student's Meningitis Story.
Meningitis Now also offers a nurse-led helpline for anyone who has any questions or concerns. This is open from 9am-4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am -1pm on Fridays by calling 0808 80 10 388 or by email [email protected].
You can also find further information and resources on the BU website.
