Hey everyone,

Happy new year, and don’t forget to get vaccinated!

You have spent too much on Christmas presents so you can’t afford to turn the heating up – and it’s freezing outside – you are missing your friends and the comfort of your family home. For students it can all add up to feelings of (home) sickness. But are you sure that’s what your flu-like symptoms are?

Students sometimes miss the signs of a much more serious illness known as meningitis because symptoms are similar to that of a cold – the collective coughs, fevers and viruses caught during the colder winter months.

Meningitis is rare – but can be life threatening. Students are more at risk because they live in close proximity to one another.

So if you’re heading back to University this term, make sure you are vaccinated and know what to look out for:  

What is it?

It’s nothing to worry about and we certainly don’t want to leave you in a tizzy! You just need to make sure you’re vaccinated to be on the safe side. Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It’s serious, and can develop quickly if not acted upon.

What is the vaccination?

All students (under the age of 25 years) should be immunised against Meningitis. Please remember to book an appointment with a nurse at the University Health Centre for your meningitis jab if you haven’t already, and keep an eye on each other if you’re feeling under the weather!

If you have any questions about the vaccination, or just want a friendly confidential chat then visit the Advice Centre on Floor 5 of the Students’ Union.