Meningitis

Meningitis and meningitis septicaemia (blood poisoning), can be very dangerous, and in some cases fatal. The risks of catching it are small, but if you are 24yrs or under and haven't already had the vaccination, we strongly recommend that you receive it from your Doctor before or as soon as you start college. The vaccination is usually free from your local doctor. Even if you have the vaccination, not all forms of meningitis and meningitis septicaemia are vaccine preventable. It is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and meningitis septicaemia.

Symptoms of meningitis:
Fever/Vomiting
Drowsiness/Confusion
Violent or severe headache
Neck Stiffness
Dislike of bright lights
Symptoms of meningitis septicaemia:
Fever/vomiting
Drowsiness/Confusion
Cold hands/feet
Stomach/ joint/muscle pain
Rapid Breathing
Rash that doesn't disappear with pressure
Symptoms can appear in any order and not everyone suffers from all symptoms. Early symptoms could be mistaken as flu or a bad hangover, so if you are concerned about yourself or one of your friends, contact your doctor immediately.

Useful websites:
Meningitis Research Foundation

Health Protection Agency - protecting the population from infection

Useful numbers:
Meningitis Research Foundation, 24hr Helpline: 080 8800 3344

National Meningitis Trust, Support line: 0845 6000 800

Cold and Flu Advice

For expert advice about managing cold and flu symptoms, including swine flu, visit the Internet Doctor website, which contains personalised advice from leading international experts.

If you have ten minutes to spare and would like the chance to win £100 then take part in the website's flu-symptoms study (a one page questionnaire and two short follow-ups) and you will be entered in to a prize draw.

For further information about the Internet Doctor contact j.joseph@soton.ac.uk