Cardiff University student urges young people to get Meningitis vaccine
MenB is the most common form of Meningitis amongst students, and cases are rising, according to charity Meningitis Now.
A Cardiff University student who contracted Meningitis almost three years ago, says she's still "suffering from permanent migraines".
MenB is the most common form of Meningitis amongst students, and cases are rising, according to charity Meningitis Now.
Latest figures show the total number of cases of bacterial meningitis has risen since the same period last year.
MenB accounted for over 80% of cases, with 20% occurring in the 15-24 year old age group.
In Wales cases increased from 17 in 2022 to 29 in 2023.
"I just didn't understand what it was."
Lana Quinlan contracted the disease just before she went to university.
She tells Greatest Hits Radio:
"The headache was getting worse and worse. I was aching. I was hot and cold, having fevers.
"I just didn't understand what it was. Like, I didn't know a thing about it.
"I definitely think everyone should get the vaccination done.
"It's literally just a tiny injection.
"If it can at least stop a chance of you getting it and just put that a bit at the back of your mind, it's so worth it."
Meningitis Now are calling for all prospective students to be aware of the signs and symptoms before going to university.
Early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia
Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms of meningitis can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle pain
- Stomach cramps
- Fever with cold hands and feet
15-24 year olds, especially those starting university, are particularly at risk of contracting MenB, which can kill within hours.
Chief Executive of Meningitis Now, Dr Tom Nutt says: “It is vital that young people know what to do in a meningitis emergency – but vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis.
"MenB is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in young people in the UK, and latest figures show cases are on the rise.
"Despite this, young people are not currently offered the lifesaving MenB vaccine – leaving thousands unprotected."
For more on Meningitis symptoms please go to the Meningitis Now website.