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New students entering the university this term are cautioned that they are at particular risk of contracting meningitis and are encouraged to be vaccinated.
The charity Meningitis Now warns that after infants and children under five, adolescents and young people are the second most at risk group for contracting meningitis and sepsis. First-year university students are particularly at risk, added the charity.
National consumption of the life-saving vaccine MenACWY across the UK is only 29.4% on average.
Wales universities, which represent all the universities in Wales, as well as individual universities, warn new students to make sure they are vaccinated.
A spokesman for the University of Wales said: "We are working closely with Public Health Wales to educate all new university entrants to the ACWY meningococcal vaccine before or as soon as possible.
"Public Health Wales is clear that new university entrants are particularly at risk of contracting the disease and our universities, in collaboration with their students, are passing this important message to those who have not yet received the vaccine. for tips on how they can receive it.
"The vaccine is available free of charge on the NHS for new entrants, including international students, if they are in first year (" cooler ") up to 25 years."
Swansea University has produced and broadcast an animation to spread the word and educate students about the symptoms of meningitis.
The animated film, featured in this article, is based on research conducted by Angharad Shambler of the Swansea College of Humanities and Health as part of his thesis of MSc Public Health and Promotion. and understanding of meningitis.
The new MenACWY vaccine replaced the MenC booster vaccine in 2015, which most people have as children. Unlike the previous vaccine, MenACWY prevents meningococcal group W infection, which can be fatal and found commonly in the student population.
After interviewing 400 students between the ages of 18 and 25, Angharad's research found that the national adoption rate of MenACWY vaccine by Swansea University students was 60.8%, well above average 29.4%.
Angharad Shambler said, "Freshmen are particularly at risk of meningococcal infection if they are not vaccinated. That's why it's so important that they know the signs and symptoms.
"It is essential for students to check with their general practitioner that they are aware of their MenACWY and MMR vaccinations before the start of the trimester. MenACWY jab is routinely offered to nine- and ten-year-olds at school, but anyone who missed can be vaccinated until their 25th birthday.
"We encourage students to visit their GP and apply for the MenACWY vaccine before starting university. It is quick, easy and free. If this is not possible, they must register on their campus campus and have it as soon as they can after they arrive.
"Anyone who suspects they or a friend might be suffering from meningitis should seek urgent medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, because quick action saves lives.
A spokesman for the University of South Wales said: "This year, we continue to provide students with substantial information about meningitis, including ways to identify symptoms and precautions.
"This includes information on how to get vaccinated and contact information for anyone who wants additional advice or support."
A spokesman for Cardiff University said, "We strongly recommend that our students be vaccinated against meningitis before starting university. Information on vaccinations is available on our new student pages and we are currently running a proactive social media campaign to encourage students to make sure they are aware of the recommended vaccinations. Park Place Surgery – on-campus surgery – also runs clinics for registered students requiring vaccination against meningitis.
"Throughout the school year, we aim to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, disseminating information on key points – for example Welsh Varsity – and we actively share Public Health Wales' #MenACWY messages. .
"At the beginning of the year, Cardiff University received the meningitis award for being a meningitis-aware university."
What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges – the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Meningococcal bacteria – types A, B, C, W and Y – are common and safely transported in the nose or throat by about one in ten people.
How are the bacteria of meningitis spread?
(Image: iStockphoto)
They are transmitted by close contact, such as coughing, kissing or sneezing.
Why are university students more likely to get meningitis?
University students living nearby are more likely to suffer from meningitis because of their lifestyle and social activities.
What are the risks for new students?
Young people from all over the world come together to live, study and socialize together. They will be exposed to bacteria and viruses that their bodies have never encountered before. That's why so many new students are suffering from first-year flu.
Since the early symptoms of meningitis can be similar to common illnesses such as flu or even hangover, it is easy to confuse meningitis with something else.
When students go to university, it's often the first time they live away from their parents and, more often than not, their own health and well-being are not a priority. Without parents to monitor them, meningitis can be missed, warns the charity Meningitis Now.
What are the symptoms of meningitis?
Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and general pains in the beginning. These can worsen rapidly, with agitation, confusion, vomiting, headache, and a red rash that can be identified as meningitis in the glass test.
The glass test involves rolling a glass over the area of stained skin. A rash that does not fade under pressure is a sign of meningococcal sepsis (the meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis and sepsis).
For more information on MenACWY vaccination, visit: https://www.menacwy.co.uk/ and www.meningitisnow.org
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