Health

Meningitis

Meningitis really is something to be careful of - it feels like a headache, or flu, or even a hangover from hell, so it can be quite tricky to spot. According to the NUS, during the 1998/99 academic year, 58 students suffered from meningitis and septicaemia and 12 students died. It is estimated that students are twice as vulnerable to meningitis than others in the 18 - 25 age group, and that those at greatest risk live in halls of residence.

It is passed on by prolonged physical contact and is thus sometimes called the Kissing Disease and the peak time for Meningitis is October to March, so be careful in winter. The symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone will develop all these symptoms -if in doubt, call on a doctor. The main symptoms are:

Meningitis

• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Fever/vomiting
• Drowsiness/impaired consciousness
• Rash that will not fade if subjected to pressure (but not in all cases)

• Rash
• Fever/vomiting (but not in all cases)
• Cold hands and feet
• Rapid breathing
• Joint/muscle/abdominal pain which may be accompanied by diarrhoea
• Drowsiness/impaired consciousness