Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord. It can develop quickly and needs urgent medical attention.

Although rare, meningitis can spreads through close contact, such as living together or sharing drinks, which is why students can be at higher risk. It's important to know the symptoms and understand how you can protect yourself.

Know the symptoms

It's easy to confuse the symptoms of meningitis with a hangover or flu, but meningitis can kill within hours if it isn't treated. Make sure you know the signs so you can get urgent help. The NHS list the symptoms as:

• a high temperature (fever)
  
• very cold hands and feet
  
• a stiff neck
  
• joint and muscle pain
  
• a severe headache that is getting worse
  
• eye pain when looking at bright lights
  
• seizures or fits
• vomiting (being sick) and diarrhoea
  
• confusion
  
• being very sleepy or difficult to wake
  
• spots or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)

Not everyone will develop spots or a rash, but it's important to know what to look for. The NHS has images and examples of the meningitis rash so you can recognise the signs.

Symptoms may develop in any order, and you do not need to have every symptom to have meningitis, so it's important to seek help early.

If you or a friend are displaying symptoms of meningitis you should seek help immediately.

Get emergency support

If you or a friend are experiencing symptoms of meningitis, it's important to seek medical help immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.

Call 999 immediately if symptoms are severe or worsening.

If you’re unsure, call NHS 111 or go to A&E (Accident and Emergency) at your nearest hospital.

Get vaccinated to protect yourself

The best way to protect yourself against meningitis is to get vaccinated. NHS England strongly encourages new students to be vaccinated. Vaccination does not protect against all types of meningitis, so it’s still important to know the symptoms. There are different strains of meningitis and different vaccines that protect against them:

Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine:

This vaccine protects against meningococcal A, C, W and Y strain. Make sure you get the vaccination from your GP at least two weeks before you start university, or from the Medical Centre as soon as you arrive. The vaccination is free to home and international students under 25 years of age.

MenB vaccine:

A new, time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available this summer for Year 13 students and under 25s who will be starting university as undergraduates, or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn 2026. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has a useful guide on the MenB vaccine and who is eligible.

Two doses are essential for protection. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first, and it then takes a further 2 weeks for the body to build a good level of immunity. This means the whole process takes around 6 weeks from start to finish. So, it's important for those who are eligible to get their first dose as early as possible, ideally well before the autumn term begins. 

If you are an international student, the UK Government recommends having your first of two doses in your home country before travelling.

If you're unsure which vaccines you've had, contact your GP (doctor) for advice or check your vaccinations history on the NHS app.

Make sure you’re vaccinated before arriving, or as soon as possible after you start university.

Helpful websites

The following websites have more information about meningitis, including symptoms, causes and treatments:

• The NHS Meningitis page explains the symptoms, causes, vaccinations and treatments
  
• Meningitis Now is a large charity campaigning around meningitis, their website is full of useful information and resources including personal stories
  
• The Meningitis Research Foundation also have useful resources and information about meningitis

Final thoughts

Meningitis is rare, but it can become serious very quickly. Knowing the signs and symptoms, keeping your vaccinations up to date, and acting quickly if you're concerned can make a real difference.

Trust your instincts. If you think you or someone else might have meningitis, seek medical help immediately. It's always better to get checked and be reassured than to wait and see.

This guide was created in partnership with the Public Health & Prevention team of Bath & North East Somerset Council.