If you have just left school or are going to be a first-time university student the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging you to get the meningococcal vaccine.
Over recent years, there have been several cases of meningitis outbreaks in Irish colleges.
Be on the look out for these symptoms:
> Fever, cold hands and feet
> Vomiting and diarrhoea
> Drowsiness, difficult to wake up
> Irritability and/or confusion
> Dislike of bright lights
> Severe headache or muscle pains
> Pale, blotchy skin with or without a rash
> Convulsions/seizures
> Stiff neck.
Dr Lucy Jessop, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, explained: “Older teenagers and those starting university for the first time usually mix with larger groups of people, making them more exposed to various infections or diseases. The best way to protect [yourself] is to get the vaccine before starting university.”
Dr Jessop continued: “Even if you have recently had the MenC vaccine, for example in school, you should still get the Men ACWY vaccine. It will increase your protection against Men C and provide protection against the three other meningococcal groups.”
It is still important to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and seek medical help immediately if you, or someone you know, experiences them.
The early symptoms of menningitus are similar to those of flu, so you need to be able to recognise the symptoms very quickly even if you have been vaccinated as the vaccines offered through the routine immunisation programme do not protect against all forms of the disease.
If worried, consult your doctor.
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