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WITH A level results out this week, students all over the borough are preparing to head off for their first term at univesity.
As well as considering what to pack, and poring over reading lists, they are advised to check that they have been protected from meningococcal meningitis.
They are also urged to learn the signs and symptoms of the disease to help them ‘look out for their mates’ and take quick action if meningitis is suspected.
UK charity Meningitis Now is launching an awareness campaign, highlighting the case of a student, Ashleigh, who at the age of 18 years, became ill with a headache and flu-like symptoms.
Within a short time, her condition worsened, her behaviour changed, and she became agitated and emotional.
Ashleigh suspected she might have a hangover, but didn’t feel right.
Her condition quickly deteriorated, and her sister came to take her home.
Soon her head was so sore she could barely open her eyes, her neck stiffened, and she was feeling very sick.
Her sister, spotting that this was serious, instead of making the longer journey home, took her straight to the nearest hospital.
There she was diagnosed with Group B meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.
She was seriously ill.
Ashleigh says:
“I had developed a rash but not until I got to hospital.
What most people don’t realise is that the rash is not an early symptom and if you have one, you are in the advanced stages of meningitis.”
Her sister got her to hospital just in time and Ashleigh was lucky to make a full recovery.
Quick action is essential, so students are being urged to know the signs and to act rapidly if they are worried about their friends at university.
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive of Meningitis Now says:
“Many young people will have been vaccinated against MenACWY, which protects against four strains of meningococcal meningitis, at school.
“But we estimate that up to half a million under-25s may have missed this important vaccination.
“If that’s you, contact your GP and see if you can get up to date with your vaccinations.
“And very few young people will have been vaccinated against MenB, which is the strain that causes the most cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.
“Common complaints such as a hangover and Freshers’ Flu are often given as reasons for a person not feeling too well.
“We are asking young people not to simply assume this is the case.
“A headache and fever are also common signs of meningitis,.
“Young people should learn the signs and symptoms of the disease, look out for themselves and their mates and seek medical help straight away if they feel unwell.”
The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to flu, a tummy bug or a hangover.
They can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
There may also be muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet.
More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.
Meningitis Now has free information for parents and students, including leaflets, signs and symptoms cards and fridge magnets – all of which contain lifesaving information.
For more information log on to: www.MeningitisNow.org
