New students at university get advice on vaccinations
COVENTRY students are being encouraged to learn the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as the new term approaches.
Public Health England have warned that students starting university for the first time are particularly at risk if unvaccinated as cases continue to rise.
The vaccine can protect against four strains of disease which cause meningitis and septicaemia. But the vaccination does not protect against all strains that can cause the deadly illnesses so they are urging students to get clued up on the early signs.
Symptoms may include a fever, cold hands and feet, severe headache, joint or muscle pains, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, pale, blotchy skin and convulsions or seizures.
Sufferers may also feel irritable, confused or drowsy and have difficulty waking up. Confined environments... university halls, pubs and clubs increase the chances of infection if unprotected.
Coventry University is also keeping their students informed about the risks of the diseases.
A spokesman said: “Coventry University have signed up with the Meningitis Now charity to raise awareness of the condition amongst students.
“They have provided signs and symptom cards, campaign posters and helpline information which will be distributed to students during Freshers’ Week and put up around campus.” Dr Helen Carter, deputy director of Healthcare Public Health at PHE West Midlands, said: “The MenACWY vaccination programme will save lives and prevent lifelong and devastating disability. “We have seen a rapid increase in MenW cases across England in recent years and vaccination is the most effective way of protecting against infection.
“Young people are particularly at risk from the MenW strain. Being in confined environments with close contact, such as university halls, pubs and clubs increases the chances of infection if unprotected.
“We urge anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Remain vigilant and seek urgent medical help if you or someone you know may be showing signs of infection.”