With all the excitement of Fresher’s week, moving to uni and meeting new people, the last thing you’re likely to worry about is catching meningitis. Nevertheless, with more and more recent outbreaks across universities, it’s extremely important to know what meningitis is, and what you should do if you suspect you have it, so you can act quickly if you notice any symptoms. This blog will dive into why uni students are more prone to catching the infection and how it’s spread in the first place, as well as tips on how to avoid it and what to do if you start feeling unwell.
What is meningitis and why are uni students more likely to catch it?
In short, meningitis is an extremely serious medical condition which threatens the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of meningitis include a temperature, stiff neck, joint and muscle pain, sensitivity to bright lights and a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed. It can prove life-threatening if it isn’t treated quickly.
It can be broken down into viral meningitis (which usually gets better on its own), and bacterial meningitis (which is rarer, but far more serious, with around 1 in 10 cases proving fatal).
Just earlier this year, there was an outbreak of meningitis at the University of Kent, with two individuals unfortunately losing their lives to the condition. So what makes students more prone to it than the general population? Meningitis is typically spread through close contact and, let’s face it, there’s arguably nowhere where close contact is more prevalent than universities. With thousands of students moving from different countries and cities to live in shared accommodation, it’s no surprise that they become a breeding ground for infection to spread. Meningitis itself is typically passed on through contact with a person’s spit, including kissing and sharing drinks, vapes or household utensils (such as cutlery) - all of which are more common at university.
Importantly, the early symptoms of meningitis can resemble Fresher’s Flu or a bad hangover (such as a fever or chills, headaches, fatigue and nausea). If you start to develop some of the more traditional signs of meningitis alongside these, it could be that you have it instead, so make sure to monitor your symptoms carefully.
If you have had a night out and wake up with a hangover, let your flatmates or friends know that you’re feeling a bit rough and get them to check on you every so often. Understandably, many students tend to isolate themselves and stay in their room when they’re hungover. However, this means any early symptoms of meningitis may go undetected for several hours or even days. As a result, even something as little as getting a friend to send you a text or pop their head through the door could save your life.
How do I avoid getting meningitis?
As with most illnesses, prevention is far better than cure. Fortunately, there are various things you can do to reduce your risk of catching meningitis. The first, and most effective of these is to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date (including any booster jabs). It is quick and easy to book a vaccination appointment online or at your local pharmacy.
Alongside getting vaccinated, you should also just be a little bit more cautious when you’re socialising, particularly during Fresher’s week or when out clubbing. Only share glasses, cans or water bottles with people you trust and avoid sharing items which frequently touch your mouth (e.g. lipsticks or toothbrushes). This applies particularly if you live in a shared flat, so make sure that you’ve got your own cutlery and glasses.
It’s also worth washing your hands frequently, especially when you’re out and about. You can even carry a mini hand sanitiser to use for times when you can’t wash your hands properly. Like Fresher’s Flu, you’re also less likely to catch meningitis when your immune system is strong, so you should try to prioritise sleep and nutrition, and stay hydrated throughout Fresher’s week and term time.
What do I do if I think I’ve got meningitis?
If you do suspect you’ve got meningitis, the most important thing to do is seek help immediately. Call 999 straight away and see what they advise you to do. Do not try and drive yourself to A&E – get a friend or flatmate to take you, or tell your call operator.
Make sure you also tell a friend, flatmate or family member how you’re feeling and get them to stay with you until medical help arrives.
Even if you only have some of the symptoms of meningitis, you should still seek medical attention immediately. Bacterial meningitis can become life-threatening within 24-hours so every minute counts. Even if you turn out not to have it, you’re far better to be safe than sorry.
Stay safe and if in doubt seek help!
The possibility of catching meningitis at uni can be terrifying. However, in most cases, it is extremely treatable if caught in time. By being aware of the early symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention if you believe you have any of them, you should be able to make a full and speedy recovery. In addition, making sure you’re vaccinated and practising hygienic habits should help you to avoid it in the first place. All in all: be aware, be careful and if in doubt be quick to act, and you should be right as rain!
