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Don’t mistake meningitis for a bad hangover, students warned amid vaccination drive | UK News



Don’t mistake meningitis for a bad hangover. It’s a warning to thousands of students as Fresh Week and the start of college draw near.

Young people are being encouraged to put vaccinations on their to-do list when they go to college to protect against a number of life-threatening illnesses.

The UK Health Security Authority (UKHSA) is reminding students and their parents to check they are up to date with medicines against serious illnesses including meningitissepsis and Measles.

It says the three vaccines that students should get are MenACWY to protect against four common strains that cause meningitis and sepsis, and MMR to protect against measles, mumps, rubella and HPV for students. female reproductive system to protect against cervical and other cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts.

Students can check with their practicing doctor to find out what vaccines they already have or need.

A similar warning about meningitis B was issued to students in January, as cases begin to exceed levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know that colleges and universities can be hotspots for the spread of diseases like meningitis and measles,” said Dr Shamez Ladhani, a consultant epidemiologist at the agency. .

“Topping the list of college admissions essentials is any missed vaccine – it could save your life.

“And all students need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and sepsis. Don’t assume it’s just a hangover or a beginner’s flu.”

“If you’re ill, make sure someone you know and stay in regular contact with is sick. These illnesses can progress quickly so urgent action to get medical care is crucial. important – call NHS 111 immediately.”

Read more: Measles vaccination rate drops to lowest level in a decade

Claire Wright, from the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: ‘Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and is difficult to distinguish from a bad hangover or the more common mild illnesses in early stage.

“By using the free MenACWY vaccine, students who miss school not only protect themselves but also others by preventing the bacteria from being transmitted.

“For people who have been vaccinated, it is still important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most common cause of meningitis. life-threatening meningitis in this age group.”

UKHSA says that ideally students should get any vaccines they’ve missed at least two weeks before leaving for university, but otherwise they should arrange to get them as soon as possible.

Meningitis and sepsis can develop suddenly and symptoms to look out for include a non-translucent patchy rash under the glasses, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints, and stiff neck.

Measles has been described as a highly contagious viral disease that can also have serious consequences, often more severe in adolescents and young adults, and often leading to hospitalization.

The illness begins with cold-like symptoms and pink eye, followed by a high temperature and a red-brown rash, UKHSA said.



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