Meningitis: What you need to know

With several confirmed cases of the disease since the start of term, meningitis has become the new buzzword in the UK. And for many, it’s likely you’ve never considered the threat that such a disease poses.

But as someone who knows first hand, I would never wish it upon anyone.

Three years ago, I myself had Meningitis. I went from waking up feeling fine at 8am, to being on a life support machine at midday. The disease strikes fast, and my memories mostly consist of a pins and needles feeling, losing my speech, and fainting on my way to the ambulance.

After this, I’m told that it took seven medical professionals to hold me down while I screamed for help. I was unable to tell them where I was, who was with me, or even when my birthday was.

Ruling out a Stroke and encephalitis (brain inflammation), I was sedated and given a lumbar puncture that – thankfully – I don’t remember. What I do remember is waking up at 5am the next morning in the ICU. Against all odds, I only remained in hospital for a week before being discharged with a diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis- and a feeling of being incredibly lucky to have suffered no serious side effects. I returned to school and forced myself to work for my Higher exams – a determination which led me be in St Andrews today writing this article.

Without knowing it, one in four of us are carrying Meningitis bacteria. This doesn’t mean that 25 per cent of the University are going to be struck down during their four years here, but it does mean that it could happen to anyone.

A disease that can strike quickly and kill within hours, Meningitis is incredibly threatening to students who are unaware of the facts. But we do need to be educated on the disease, especially considering the prevalence of cases among students.

In a shocking survey conducted by charity Meningitis Now, over half of young adults asked couldn’t name any symptoms of Meningitis.

We all should know exactly what to look for, and how important it is to catch this disease in its earliest phases. I know I was one of the lucky ones, but most Meningitis stories do not end with full recovery like mine did.

The first suggestion I have is to make yourself aware of the symptoms:

• Fever and vomiting
• Drowsiness and confusion
• Stiff Neck
• Headache
• A rash that doesn’t fade (see Glass Test)

But don’t just wait for these particular symptoms to arise. Meningitis symptoms can take many different forms. My own symptoms included feelings of numbness, loss of strength, and loss of speech.

The Meningitis bacteria are carried at the back of the throat, and so any intimate contact can transfer the illness. This year was the first that the NHS offered booster jabs for the MenC vaccination for freshers due to the increased risk of moving into university halls where space is tight and contact is abundant.

This isn’t a scaremongering tactic. I’m not trying to suggest that we should all lie in fear of a disease that will inevitably get to us all. But we can’t be expected to prevent the disease if we don’t even know what it is.

The information is here for us to learn, so why take the risk? Educating yourself will only make you feel safer. I didn’t understand what Meningitis was until after it had affected me, but it doesn’t have to be like that for everyone.

Take it from me – if you can prevent this disease from taking full effect, it’s worth it.