This 1-minute read could save a life at Uni

First-year university students are particularly at risk for meningitis. Knowing the signs could save a life!

Symptoms of meningitis and sepsis include:

• a high temperature
• cold hands and feet
• vomiting
• confusion
• breathing quickly
• muscle and joint pain
• pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• headache
• a stiff neck
• a dislike of bright lights
• being very sleepy or difficult to wake
• fits (seizures)

Someone with meningitis or sepsis can get a lot worse very quickly.

Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. It might not just be fresher's flu or a bad hangover!

Call NHS 111 for advice if you're not sure if it's anything serious.

Sources with thanks to Meningitis Now and the NHS.