Hey everyone,

A little while ago, there was a lot of talk around students having an increased risk of contracting Meningitis W (see the government-issued report here); an extremely virulent strand within the Meningococcal group. A vaccination is now being introduced into the national immunisation programme in response to a rapid and accelerated increase in cases of the invasive disease, which has now been declared a national incident.

Students are particularly vulnerable to Meningitis due to living conditions, close proximity learning and being exposed to new bacteria.

It is fundamental, whether you are a new student or returning that you get this vaccine. The University Health Centre are now offering the vaccine to registered and non-registered students.

One of the biggest issues with MenW is the symptoms are very similar to ‘Fresher’s Flu’ or a hangover, and so often they do not get recognised until someone becomes extremely unwell. Symptoms include:

• A fever; cold hands and feet
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness and finding it hard to stay awake
• Confusion and irritability
• Severe muscle pain
• Pale, blotchy skin
• Spots or a rash
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Convulsions or seizures

Meningitis and Septicaemia can cause someone to become very unwell very quickly, so it is important that if you or your friends do feel unwell you keep checking the symptoms and seek medical attention if there any changes. Just trust your instincts!

It’s essential that you, your friends and family do get the vaccine, and the earlier the better! Time is key and you never know, you could be saving yours or someone else’s life.

Finally, a massive thank you should go to the University Health Centre for arranging so many vaccinations in such a short period of time!

For more information on Meningitis, visit meningitisnow.org.

Speak soon!

Alysia 

VP Wellbeing & Equalities