Public Health

Meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages because some of the symptoms can be associated with other conditions such as flu, a tummy bug or a hangover.

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include:

• fever and / or vomiting
• breathing fast / breathlessness
• aching / painful muscles, joints and limbs
• seizures (fits)
• pale or mottled skin
• a stiff neck
• severe headaches
• avoiding bright light
• very sleepy / vacant / difficult to wake
• confusion / feeling delirious
• a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a clear glass is rolled over it.

Symptoms vary and can occur in any order. Not everyone gets every symptom.

The MenACWY vaccine is available free to any student who has not already had the vaccine up until their 25^th birthday. This includes international students.

The vaccine protects against 4 common causes of meningococcal disease – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY but not other forms, like MenB.

Students should be aware that MenB can occur with or without the vaccine and must remain vigilant to symptoms

Higher education students, particularly freshers, are known to be at increased risk of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. Being in confined environments with close contact, such as university halls, hostels when travelling, or attending festivals, increase the chances of infection if unprotected.

If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, getting immediate medical treatment can be lifesaving. Dial 999 without delay in a medical emergency.

Meningitis Standard

The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that's spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).

Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including:

• cervical cancer
• mouth cancer
• anal cancer
• penile cancer
• vulval cancer
• vaginal cancer

HPV can also cause genital warts.

Female students should have been offered 2 doses of HPV vaccine in Year 8 or Year 9 when aged 12 to 13 years at school (S1 in Scotland).

Since September 2023, the HPV vaccination has been offered to male and females at 12/13 years of age, as a single dose.   Students who have received at least one dose of HPV vaccine are considered fully vaccinated.

HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes most cervical cancers and cancers that affect both boys and girls including some anal, genital, mouth and throat (head and neck) cancers.

It also offers protection against the most common genital warts caused by HPV.

Any female student who missed their HPV vaccine can catch up before their 25^th birthday by contacting their Doctor (GP) practice to arrange their vaccination.

Male students born from 1 September 2006 are now also being offered HPV vaccine and if they remain unvaccinated, they are similarly eligible up to their 25^th birthday.

Scabies is an infestation of the skin caused by a parasitic mite. The mites burrow under the top layer of skin and lay eggs. The body’s immune system reacts to the mite’s droppings and saliva, resulting in an immune reaction – which produces intense itching. 

Signs and symptoms:

• Intense itching, especially at night – commonly between fingers and toes, wrists, armpits, inner elbows, groin, and buttocks
• A rash or skin irritation that looks like red or brown bumps, blisters or pimples
• Mite burrows on the skin with a zigzag or “S” pattern

Scabies is transmitted through prolonged or frequent skin-to skin contact with an affected person, for example sharing a household setting, the provisional of personal care or via sexual contact.  Transmission through casual contact, such as a handshake or hug, is unlikely.

Scabies can also spread through contact with the clothes, bedding or towels of someone who has scabies.

Scabies can be treated with a cream that is applied to the body on 2 occasions, 7 days apart – Permethrin 5% cream is the first line treatment.

Affected individuals do not need to exclude from school or work but should avoid close physical contact with other people until 24-hours after the first treatment.  It is essential that all close contacts (household members and sexual partners) are treated at the same time to prevent reinfestation.

Measles is very infectious, it can cause serious complications and, in rare cases, can be fatal. Measles can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions.

Measles starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash. If you experience these symptoms, call NHS 111.

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can cause painful symptoms. It was circulating in the UK, particularly among 15- to 25-year-olds before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Mumps is usually recognised by the painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears. However, more general symptoms often develop a few days before the face swells. These can include:

• Earache
• joint pain
• feeling sick
• dry mouth
• mild abdominal pain
• feeling tired
• loss of appetite
• a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F), or above

Mumps can lead to the swelling of the testicles and swelling of the ovaries in the HEI age group and in rare cases, can cause meningitis and deafness.

The best way to protect against mumps and measles is have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. It is never too late to get the vaccine. There are no risks to health if an extra dose is given.

Anyone with symptoms should stay away from others and not return to university until 5 days after first symptoms. If a student becomes worried about any symptoms, they should contact NHS111 or their General Practice.

In a medical emergency, telephone 999. Young people are strongly advised to check if they had the MMR vaccine. They should check if they have had 2 doses of the vaccine with their parents/ guardians and GP practice and arrange a catch up now if necessary.

The UK Health Security Agency’s latest quarterly STI data shows that gonorrhoea and syphilis infection rates remain very high in England and the use of condoms is strongly encouraged to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs are most commonly diagnosed amongst those aged 15 to 24 years old, with more than 350 diagnoses every day in this age group in 2024.

Common STI symptoms include an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; pain when peeing; and sores around your genitals or anus.

Although STIs are usually easily treated with antibiotics, many can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), while syphilis can cause serious, irreversible and potentially life-threatening problems with the brain, heart, or nerves. Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics and at risk of becoming untreatable in the future, making it vital that people with symptoms get tested and treated. 

Testing for STIs and HIV is free and confidential and can be carried out at your nearest sexual health service, details for which are on the NHS website.  

Dr Hamish Mohammed, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 

Using condoms is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk. If you’ve had condomless sex with a new or casual partner and are experiencing any STI symptoms, it’s important to get tested. Testing is free and confidential and gives you peace of mind as you start the new academic year.

• Getting medical care as a student - Getting medical care as a student – NHS
• COVID Vaccine - COVID-19 vaccine – NHS
• Flu Vaccination - Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why - GOV.UK
• Meningitis and sepsis Vaccine - MenACWY vaccine – NHS
• HPV vaccination - HPV vaccine – NHS
• MMR vaccination - https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/
• Devon Sexual Health Support - https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/
• Cornwall Sexual Heath Support - https://www.sexualhealthcornwall.co.uk/