Students encouraged to be aware of Meningitis

Students at Teesside are being encouraged to make sure they have the ’write’ vaccinations against the potentially deadly Meningitis C strain.

Meningitis Awareness Week runs from Monday 9 to Friday 13 October to coincide with the arrival of new first year students. To help the new students remember to register for a vaccination and be mindful of the symptoms, hundreds of message pens will be distributed throughout the campus. Each pen shows messages to remind students what to do if they suspect meningitis.

Aline Marron, Student Health Adviser at the University of Teesside said: “Students fall into the 18-25 year old age group who are slightly more at risk. The symptoms can be similar to flu, and students need to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms and look out for themselves and their friends. Even if they have been vaccinated against Meningitis C they are not protected against other strains such as Meningitis B which accounts for the highest number of cases. If students experience any of the following symptoms they should seek immediate medical help.”

The main symptoms are:

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck - unable to put chin to chest
• High temperature
• Vomiting
• Joint or muscle pain
• Aversion to bright lights
• Drowsiness
• A rash which does not fade when a clear drinking glass is rolled on it.

The 24 hour Meningitis emergency phone line is: 0845 6000 800.

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