Students warned to get meningitis vaccine before starting university
16 people suffered with meningococcal septicaemia last year in Wales
As meningitis cases continue to rise, first-year university students in Wales are being urged to recognise the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Meningitis Now, a leading UK charity, has launched its annual campaign to ensure students "know when to sound the alarm" as they prepare to head to university this autumn.
Meningitis is a rare but potentially fatal infection that can kill within 24 hours if not treated promptly.
The early symptoms—such as fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and sensitivity to light—are often mistaken for flu or a hangover.
A rash that doesn’t fade under pressure is a key indicator of septicaemia, which can occur alongside meningitis.
Given that young people, particularly those in communal living situations, are at increased risk, it is crucial for students to seek urgent medical advice if they suspect meningitis, says the charity.
With nearly 150,000 students enrolled in Welsh universities, the charity is pushing to have meningitis resources available on every campus.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent meningitis, but not all students may be fully protected.
The MenB vaccine, introduced in 2015, is primarily given to infants, while the MenACWY vaccine, which covers multiple strains of meningococcal bacteria, is offered to teenagers.
However, it is estimated that up to half a million young people in the United Kingdom may have missed their MenACWY vaccine due to the pandemic.
Welsh students are urged to check their vaccination status with their GP or via the NHS app.
For more information, visit the NHS 111 Wales website.