Meningitis

All Irish Students under the age of 23 have been vaccinated against Mengitis C.  The vaccine is highly effective and gives life long protection against one strain of meningitis (Meningococcal disease caused by the C strain of the bacteria).  Prior to the vaccination programme Meningococcus type C accounted for 40% of Meningococcal disease.  While Meningitis C has been virtually eradicated,  we must still be vigilant for other forms of Meningitis. 

Signs and Symptoms of Meningitis.

Meningitis and septicaemia are not always easy to recognise at first.
In the early stages, signs and symptoms can be similar to many other more common illnesses, for example flu.

Early symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting and general tiredness.

                          Trust your instincts, if you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately.

• High temperature, fever, possibly with cold hands and fever
• Vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness (unable to touch the chin to the chest)
• Joint or muscle pains, sometimes stomach cramps with septicaemia
• Dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness
• Fits
• The person may be confused or disoriented.
• Both adults and children may have a rash                                       

All overseas students are strongly recommended to have the Meningits C Vaccine, which is available at the Student Health Unit by appointment.

There are other forms of Meningitis occuring in Ireland but there is currently no vaccine against them.

Further information is available from:

http://www.ndsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/VaccinePreventable/BacterialMeningitis/Factsheet/

http://www.meningitis-trust.org/









 

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