University-bound adolescents are recommended to include immunizations on their to-do list for protection against a variety of life-threatening diseases.
Don’t mistake meningitis for a terrible hangover. This is the message being sent to thousands of students as Freshman Week and the beginning of the academic year approaches.
University-bound adolescents are recommended to include immunizations on their to-do list for protection against a variety of life-threatening diseases.
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is encouraging students and their parents to ensure that they are up-to-date on vaccinations against dangerous diseases such as meningitis, septicemia, and measles.
It states that the three recommended vaccinations for students are MenACWY to protect against four common strains of meningitis and septicemia, MMR to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, and HPV for female students to protect against cervical and other cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts.
Students can inquire with their primary care physician’s office about the vaccinations they have received or require.
In January, students received a similar warning on meningitis B, as the number of cases began to surpass that recorded during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The agency’s consultant epidemiologist, Dr. Shamez Ladhani, stated, “We know that colleges and universities can be hotspots for the transmission of diseases like meningitis and measles.
“Vaccinations should be at the top of any list of necessities for college, as they could save your life.
“And all pupils must be informed of the symptoms and signs of meningitis and septicemia. Do not assume it is merely a hangover or the freshman flu.
“If you are ill, let a friend know and maintain regular contact with sick friends. Rapid progression of these disorders necessitates immediate medical intervention; contact NHS 111 immediately.”
Claire Wright of the Meningitis Research Foundation stated, “Meningitis can kill healthy people within hours and is difficult to differentiate from a nasty hangover or more prevalent milder infections in the early stages.”
“By accepting the free MenACWY vaccine, school leavers not only safeguard themselves but also others by preventing the spread of the germs.
Because the free vaccine does not protect against MenB, which is the most prevalent form of life-threatening meningitis in this age range, it is still necessary for people who have already been vaccinated to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
The UKHSA recommends that students receive any immunizations they have missed at least two weeks before going to university, but if this is not possible, they should have them as soon as possible.
Meningitis and septicemia can develop abruptly, and warning signs include a rash that does not fade under a glass, fever, headache, aching muscles and joints, and a stiff neck.
Measles is described as a highly contagious viral virus with severe repercussions, which are typically more severe in adolescents and young adults and frequently result in hospitalizations.
According to the UKHSA, symptoms include cold-like symptoms and painful, red eyes, followed by a high fever and a red-brown blotchy rash.
