Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the lining of the brain that can be caused by viruses or bacteria.

The disease can develop rapidly, sometimes within hours. Meningitis is rare but can be extremely dangerous, resulting in deafness, blindness, paralysis, loss of arms or legs, and even death.

However, if treatment with antibiotics is given quickly, people can recover.

Symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis can kill and early treatment saves lives. If you or a friend develop the following , get medical help urgently:

  • fever, cold hands and feet
  • vomiting and diarrhoea
  • severe dislike of light
  • severe muscle pain and/or headache
  • disorientation
  • a bruise-like rash that doesn't fade under pressure (although don't wait for this to appear if it hasn't yet)
  • marked drowsiness or coma

Meningitis can feel like the flu or a very bad hangover. Do not to confuse the signs of meningitis with the after-effects of a heavy night of drinking.

Why students are more at risk

Outbreaks of meningitis are more likely to occur in places where people live or work closely together in large groups such as at university.

Students, especially those living in residence halls, are thought to be more at risk of contracting the disease because of their close proximity to each other and because of sharing items such as cups, cutlery and water bottles. 

Young adults are also particularly at risk as they are carriers of the disease. Meningitis Now has more information about .

Get vaccinated

New university entrants up to 25 years old are very actively encouraged to have the before coming to university.

The vaccine protects you against groups A, C, W and Y meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning). The vaccine is not live and cannot give you the disease. You only need one dose, which should protect you for the rest of your life.

MenACWY vaccine does not protect against meningitis B, which is bacterial and very dangerous. Even if a person has been vaccinated with the MenACWY vaccine, they can still get meningitis B so be aware of the symptoms and get medical help urgently.

Contact your GP

You should contact your GP to have the MenACWY vaccine for free before starting university. If that's not possible, register with a GP as soon as you arrive and have it as soon as you can.

What to do in an emergency

  • call 999
  • call NHS 111 (when it’s less urgent than 999)
  • go to A&E, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, 91¶¶Òõ. Telephone: 01273 696955 (ext 4264)
  • if you need to see a GP urgently, contact the GP practice you are registered with.

More information

A number of online resources and apps are available with more information on meningitis symptoms, diagnosis and vaccination: