In addition to registering for a GP, it’s also important to ensure you’re up to date with your vaccinations during your time at the University and you’re familiar with the signs and symptoms of some serious infections.
Meningococcal disease causes meningitis and/or septicaemia (blood poisoning) and can be very severe. If you’re under 25 years of age and haven’t yet had the MenACWY vaccine, please ask your GP practice about this.
Make sure you know the main signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and how to get help or advice if you or one of your friends feels very unwell, especially if you are getting worse.
The main signs and symptoms include:
- Fever, cold hands and feet
- Drowsy, difficult to wake
- Vomiting
- Confusion and irritability
- Severe muscle pain
- Pale, blotchy skin. Spots/rash
- Dislike of bright lights
You can help to protect yourself and stop the spread of measles or mumps by checking with your GP that you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease which is spread through the air when a person who has TB coughs, sings, laughs, or sneezes.
Common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Tiredness
Although infectious, TB is curable – so please visit your GP if you have any concerns.