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FOR STUDENTS |
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Meningitis
Meningitis - get it sussed!Over the last few years there has been concern, highlighted by the media, over cases of meningitis in UK universities — Nottingham has and continues to do all it can to ensure that students are aware of the disease and know how to access information. The University liaises with healthcare professionals, the meningitis research charities, the students' union, halls and departments to ensure that leaflets and posters have been distributed widely and that everyone is aware of the need to be vigilant. About meningitisOne in ten of us at any time are carrying the bacteria which causes the disease without being ill ourselves, but they can be passed on to others by regular close contact, such as kissing. In a very few people the bacteria get into the blood stream and cause meningitis or meningitis blood poisoning. In these cases if left unchecked, the disease can kill in hours, but there is a good chance of recovery if the patient is treated in time. The symptoms include:
When young people are living in close proximity to each other in large numbers, as occurs in University environments, transmission occurs more readily and therefore cases seem more likely to happen. * A VIDEO has been launched by the parents of Susie Clarke, a Nottingham student who died of meningitis in November 1998, aged 19. The video is only six minutes long and is designed to increase awareness of symptoms, hopefully leading to earlier diagnosis of the disease which could help to save lives. The video can be accessed free online via the University of Bath website at www.bath.ac.uk/students/meningitis
The message from the national body is to look after your mate — keep checking on anyone who has symptoms which could be mistaken for flu or a hangover. If in doubt, seek medical attention quickly.
Who needs vaccination?There are various strains of the meningitis bacteria. In the UK historically the B strain has been most common, followed by the C strain. Other strains include the A strain, W strain and 135 serotype. Vaccine companies have been working hard to produce a long lasting vaccine against all these types, but to date only a long lasting C strain vaccine has been produced ( a shorter acting vaccine against some of the other strains is available but only suitable for travellers to areas where there are outbreaks)
In 1999 the long lasting vaccine against the C strain of the disease was introduced for children. Then in January 2002 the Department of Health announced that it was extending its vaccination coverage. Due to an increase in the number of cases of Meningitis C in the 19-24 age group, the department has advised that all young people aged 24 and under should now receive the Meningitis C vaccine. Following local consultation the local public health department has also recommended that all first-year students, of whatever age, should have the Meningitis C vaccine. In addition, any student or tutor living in catered halls of residence (this does not include those living in Broadgate Flats, Melton Hall or Raleigh Park ) should be vaccinated.
Remember vaccination only covers the C strain – you still are vulnerable to other strains and need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and seek medical help if concerned Where to get vaccinatedThe University of Nottingham Health Service (Cripps Health Centre) offers vaccination during medical registration in Trent Building during the first week of term to all new students. They will be given a time for this in their first week timetable. At other times of the year the students should contact the Cripps Health Centre, which can arrange this vaccination at a convenient time.
*Those students registered with doctors other than the University Health Service (Cripps Health Centre) should consult their own GP.
What happens if a case occurs at the UniversityThe University works very closely with the local Public Health Department on this issue, and as soon as they are made aware of a potential case will mobilise all relevant resources. The Public Health Department, working with Cripps Health Centre and other local general practices will then instigate any further action to be taken. The level of intervention depends however on whether the case is a confirmed case, an isolated one or part of a group of cases. Further information on this topic can be found in the University of Nottingham 's meningitis policy
Further informationFor further information, call free to the Meningitis Research Foundation 24-hour helpline on: 0808 800 3344. Or access its Web page on: http://www.meningitis.org For advice and information contact Cripps Health Centre tel 0115 8468888 National MeningitisTrust 24 hour free helpline — 0845 6000 800 Nottingham Health Authority: 0115 912 3344 |
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