Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Viral meningitis is usually less serious, but bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical treatment.
Students are one of the groups at higher risk of certain types of meningitis, particularly in their first years at university. This is because meningitis can spread through close contact, and university life often involves shared accommodation, socialising, and living in close proximity to others.
Although meningitis is rare, it can develop quickly and become serious within hours. Early symptoms can feel similar to flu, a hangover, or a stomach bug, which is why it’s important to know what to look out for. Vaccination has significantly reduced the risk, but cases still occur, so awareness of symptoms remains important.
Know the symptoms
Symptoms can appear in any order, and not everyone will have all of them. Common symptoms include:
- fever
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- vomiting
- dislike of bright lights
- confusion/delirium
- cold hands and feet
- a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure.
More information about Meningitis can be found on the NHS Meningitis webpage.
How it spreads
Some types of meningitis (particularly meningococcal meningitis) are spread through close or prolonged contact with saliva, such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing drinks and utensils. It does not spread easily through casual contact.
Act quickly
If you think you or someone else might have meningitis, seek medical help immediately. Do not wait to see if it improves.
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Call 999 or go to A&E if someone is seriously unwell
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Use NHS 111 for urgent medical advice
Early treatment can save lives and reduce the risk of serious complications.
If you are diagnosed with or being treated for meningitis, please inform their department and follow medical advice including avoiding contact or coming on to campus until cleared to do so.
Vaccination
The NHS recommends that students receive the MenACWY vaccine before starting university if they have not already had it. This protects against four common strains of meningococcal bacteria. You can access the vaccine free via Imperial College Health Centre if you are under the age of 25. Find out more here.
Vaccination is very effective, but it does not protect against all types of meningitis, so it’s still important to be aware of symptoms.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads easily between people. It usually causes fever and a rash, but it can also lead to more serious complications, particularly in people who are not vaccinated.
Although measles is now less common in the UK due to vaccination, there has been a recent increase in cases. Because it spreads very easily, outbreaks can happen in communities where people live and socialise closely.
Students may be at increased risk of exposure, particularly in shared accommodation, lectures, and social settings where infections can spread quickly.
Know the symptoms
Symptoms usually develop in stages and can include:
- fever,
- a runny nose,
- red, sore, watering eyes,
- a rash of red-brown spots extending from the face and behind the ears to the rest of the body. Sometimes, the spots are raised and join to form large blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy. The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
Symptoms can feel similar to a cold at first, before the rash appears. The incubation period is typically around 10 to 12 days from exposure to onset of symptoms but can vary from 7 to 21 days. The period of infectiousness generally starts from 4 days before the rash and lasts up to 4 full days after the onset of the rash.
How it spreads
Measles spreads through coughs and sneezes. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for several hours, which means it can spread easily in shared spaces.
You can catch measles even after brief contact with someone who is infected.
Act responsibly
If you think you might have measles, you should seek medical advice and avoid contact with others.
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Contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice before attending in person
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Avoid going to campus, lectures, or shared spaces if you are unwell
If you are diagnosed with measles, you should follow medical advice and isolate as advised to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
If you live in halls, inform a member of halls staff (such as your Warden, Hall Supervisor, or Residence Assistant) so they can support you.
If you have been in contact with someone with measles and are not vaccinated, monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
Vaccination
The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is the best protection against measles. Two doses are needed for full protection. Vaccination not only protects you, but also helps prevent the spread of measles within the university community.
If you are not vaccinated, or are unsure of your vaccination status, you should contact your GP to arrange this as soon as possible. Vaccination is free on the NHS and you can access it via the Imperial College Health Centre. Find out more here.