Freshers’ Week. The count down is officially on. You’ve bought a new duvet set. Packed your pants. Smuggled your soft toys into the suitcase. You are officially ready to leave home and embark on student life. See ya mum!
But have you thought about getting vaccinated against meningitis? I know, it’s not really top of the list. But experts are warning that new students should consider getting the jab. Officials say freshers are particularly at risk thanks to mixing “closely with groups of unfamiliar people” – which is certainly one way to describe freshers’ week.
Jokes aside, meningitis is a serious concern. In 2009 there were only 22 cases of the most infectious strain of meningitis but this number has since grown rapidly. In the last 12 months, 200 cases of meningitis W were reported.
Men W, which can also cause septicaemia, is the most deadly strain of the virus and can be fatal. Those who do survive are often left with life-changing disabilities.
Health experts want to tackle the growing problem by encouraging young students to receive the vaccine. The injection – known as the Men ACWY vaccine – was first introduced for new university students in the UK last year. The vaccination protects individuals against the A, C, Y and W strains of the disease – all forms that can cause death or disability.
Where can I get the jab?
Please check with your GP for precise details of vaccine programmes in Scotland.
What is meningitis?
Basically it means an inflammation of the meninges, the linings around the brain. There are many different causes including viruses and bacteria.
Viral meningitis is almost always a fairly mild condition and lasts from four to ten days. Most people make a full recovery but may suffer from headaches and tiredness for up to a year afterwards.
Bacterial meningitis is less common but can result in death or severe disabilities. People living in overcrowded households (hi student halls!) have increased rates of the bacterium. The bacterium (known as meningococcus) can live in the back of the throat of healthy people and spreads via sneezing, coughing and kissing. Luckily, most people naturally develop protection against these bacteria but at any one time, about ten percent of the population could be carrying it.
This type of bacterium can cause both meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria multiply rapidly and stimulate the immune system into overdrive at a dangerously high, and sometimes fatal, speed.
What are the the symptoms?
Sensitivity to light, high temperature, cold extremities, vomiting, stiff neck, muscle pain, severe headache (which may be made worse when putting the chin on the chest) and a purplish rash. Test any angry or itchy splotches with the glass test. It is important to know that all these symptoms may not be present, particularly the rash.
For more details on what to look for visit meningitisnow.org.
