MENINGITIS TRUST WARNS STUDENTS TO BE AWARE

National charity, the Meningitis Trust, is warning students of the symptoms of meningitis as they start their new year at university.

Students are an at risk group, with 30% of them carrying the most common bacteria which causes meningitis, compared to 10% of the population as a whole.

University students can be more vulnerable due to living in more cramped housing or student accommodation. In many cases young people come together from all over the country - and indeed world - to live in one place and can be exposed to bacteria and viruses their body’s have not met before. As the early symptoms of meningitis can disguise themselves as other things, such as ‘fresher’s flu’, or maybe a hangover, it’s easy to mistake meningitis for something else. 

Every year around 250 cases of bacterial meningitis are reported in Ireland – leaving 10% dead and 15% of survivors with severe after-effects such as brain damage, loss of hearing and sight and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring. It’s a disease which can strike quickly and kill within hours, so knowledge of the symptoms, vigilance and quick action is vital.

The Meningitis Trust is asking students to know the symptoms, trust their instincts and look out for their friends. They should register with their GP and if in doubt, seek medical attention immediately. The Trust has a free symptoms cards, simply call its freephone 24-hour nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196, or visit the website at www.meningitis-trust.ie.
 
Visit the website at www.meningitis-trust.ie
 
About the Meningitis Trust
 
The Meningitis Trust Ireland’s meningitis support organization, and  provides the largest range of professional services and community based support for people affected by meningitis in Ireland.  The Trust raises awareness of meningitis and septicaemia through specialist knowledge, education and training and giving practical support for life to people coping with the after-effects.
 
Specifically, the Meningitis Trust provides support through the following services:
- A 24-hour nurse-staffed helpline offering information and support
- Home visits
- Professional counselling & bereavement support.
 
The Meningitis Trust receives no statutory funding, and depends almost entirely on the generous support of organisations and the public to fund its extensive support services, awareness campaigns and research.
 
MENINGITIS FACT BOX
 
•           Under 5s, teenagers, young adults and over 55s are the most at risk
•          

•           Every year there are 250 cases of the deadly type (bacterial) with the majority occurring during October to March, there is double that amount of viral meningitis cases

•           15% of people will become disabled in a matter of hours – with after-effects such as brain damage, loss of hearing and sight, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and, where septicaemia has occurred, loss of limbs and scarring to the skin tissue.