Meningitis and Meningococcal Disease
Many of you coming to University will have been vaccinated against Meningitis C. For those who have not, vaccination is free and is available to those aged 18 – 24, at the University Health Service.
Meningitis is inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious form and is most usually caused by the meningococcal bug. This bug can also cause blood poisoning (septicaemia). Although these illnesses are rare, they are serious and need treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of meningitis include:- headache, fever, vomiting, stiff neck and dislike of bright lights.
Symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia include:- fever, cold hands and feet, muscle and joint pains, drowsiness and a rash.
Symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone gets all these symptoms. Meningococcal septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis. Someone with meningitis or septicaemia will usually become ill very rapidly.
IMPORTANT
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE WHO IS ILL, particularly if their condition is deteriorating.
ASK YOUR FRIENDS TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOU IF YOU ARE STAYING IN BED WITH FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS AND CONTACT A DOCTOR IF YOU ARE WORRIED.