The University of Kent has moved its exams and classes online following the ongoing outbreak of meningitis in the county. If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking that you and those around you will be fine, because most of us were vaccinated against infection as children. However, government scientists have just identified the type of meningitis behind the two deaths of one university student and one A-level student: meningitis B, a strain that most people have not been vaccinated against. 

The news out of Kent is deeply upsetting, with several people being treated in hospital and others being put in an induced coma because of the severity of the infection. Students at the University of Kent have remarked how the spread of the disease and their university actions remind them of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Prof Anjan Ghosh, director of public health at Kent County Council, has assured the public that this outbreak is not like the past pandemic, telling Sky News: “It does not spread that easily. It takes quite a lot of prolonged contact for the bacteria to spread from one person to another, because it’s bacterial and not viral.” 

It is understandable to be worried about the outbreak of meningitis B after how disastrously the Tory Party handled Covid-19. Still, knowledge is power – so we called up The Meningitis Research Foundation to help keep us informed on what to look out for, how to protect ourselves and our communities, and how not to freak out about it. 

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

“Meningitis can affect anyone,” The Meningitis Research Foundation tell Dazed. “But teenagers and young adults are at higher risk. Early symptoms can look like freshers’ flu, COVID, or even a hangover. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look out for and how to act fast.” 

The symptoms of meningitis include: fever and/or vomiting, severe headache, limb joint, muscle pain (sometimes with stomach pain/diarrhoea), cold hands and feet, shivering, rash, pale or mottled skin (this differs on darker skin), breathing fast and breathlessness, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, exhaustion, being confused and delirious, and seizures. You can read more about the symptoms here. 

“It’s important to know that symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone experiences all of them,” the Meningitis Research Foundation explains. “If you notice a friend or housemate feeling unwell, check in on them regularly - even through the night. Trust your instincts, and if you suspect meningitis, seek medical help immediately. Acting quickly could save a life.” 

GET VACCINATED IF YOU CAN 

Vaccines prevent the most common, severe causes of meningitis. “In the UK, the MenACWY vaccine has been routinely offered to teenagers aged 13 to 14 since 2015,” The Meningitis Research Foundation states. “It’s free, and you can see if you have had it by checking with your doctor or in your health record (often called the red book in the UK). If you missed it, you can still get it before your 25th birthday – ask your GP.”

While pharmacies are running low on the meningitis B vaccine, you can still contact them (if you are over 25) or your GP, and put yourself in the best position to receive it.

PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY 

The Meningitis Research Foundation is encouraging young people to get vaccinated not just for themselves, but for the people around them: “Take up the vaccines available to you. If you’re a teenager or young adult, ask your friends if they have had their MenACWY vaccine. This simple question could save a life. If they are unsure, encourage them to check with their parents, carers, or GP. Protecting others can be as easy as sending a message or having a conversation.” Looking out for others also makes you feel good!

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE NEWS (BUT DON’T OVERDO IT) 

People are rightly sceptical of the news media and our public officials after the COVID-19 pandemic and what many describe as their biased framing of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. On top of that, the news can make people even more anxious – but it is important to stay informed on what public officials are saying about this outbreak, as that is where information on release of the vaccines and how meningitis is spreading across the country. 

In their official statement on the outbreak, Meningitis Now’s Chief Executive, Dr Tom Nutt, wants to reassure people that meningitis is a relatively rare disease: “In the long run, the good news is that the NHS vaccination programme has been very successful in bringing down the number of cases in the UK.”