Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential while you’re at university.
Keep reading to learn how to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and find out how to get support with your physical and mental health should you need it.
It’s important that you know where to get support before you feel unwell.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious infectious disease that can cause life-threatening sepsis (septicaemia) if not treated quickly. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get worse very quickly.
Be aware of all the signs and symptoms:
- Severe headache
- High temperature/fever
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- Pale, blotchy skin
- Drowsiness/lethargy
- Joint pains
- Cold hands and feet
- Rash of red/purple spots which looks like bruising under the skin
If you or someone you know shows any of the above signs, seek medical help via your GP or call NHS 111.
If it is an emergency call 999.
More information about meningitis is available from the NHS and the 24-hour national help lines of the meningitis and sepsis charities.
Becca’s story
Becca, a student at Southampton, has shared her experience of contracting meningitis and sepsis while at University. She is now using her story to raise awareness about the importance of ensuring everyone is up to date on their MenACWY vaccine.
Registering with a GP
All students should find and register with a local doctor (GP) as soon as possible, whether you’re from the UK or somewhere else in the world. Don’t wait until you’re ill to register with a doctor.
You can choose where to register, but it’s usually best to join the surgery closest to where you live. Most surgeries have a catchment area and might not accept new patients outside of it.
The University has its own health service for students, which offers all the usual services you get from your doctor, including:
- Mental health practitioners
- Contraception clinics – including coils and implants
- Vaccines – including MenACWY (meningitis), COVID-19, travel abroad and any other vaccines you’ve missed
- General health check-ups and prescription requests
