Meningitis: Not your regular Flu

Author: Altay Shaw

As we head towards the end of the year and the start of 2026, you will almost certainly have heard of “Freshers’ Flu” and occasionally the term “Re-freshers’ Flu”. This is one of the many challenges you will encounter when you are settling into your terms at university. While it may cause minor discomfort, it could potentially lead to more serious consequences for students. Recently, news publications have published stories about students getting serious meningitis infections and how they can go undiagnosed. So, what is meningitis, and what can you do if you find yourself or someone else showing symptoms?

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection in which the meninges, or membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, become inflamed. Different forms of bacteria or viruses can cause the infection at any age, with varying degrees of severity. 

A meningitis infection typically causes a fever, nausea, a stiff neck, and, in severe cases, a rash that does not go away when you roll a glass over it. The appearance of this typically occurs in the later stages of the infection, and it may not manifest at all in certain cases. Individuals with meningitis may also be light sensitive and have an unrelenting headache. 

Why is meningitis so serious?

Meningitis may not be a common condition but, if left untreated, can be fatal in all age groups. Early detection can prevent health deterioration, which could necessitate ventilators, high-dose treatments, and even months of rehabilitation after an acute hospital admission. Thus, getting someone to a hospital as soon as possible is critical. 

These symptoms and presentation may appear similar to Freshers’ Flu; it is anything but. It’s crucial to identify the symptoms early and promptly seek help.

Preventing Meningitis 

It is important to note that preventing both Freshers’ Flu and Meningitis involves a combination of healthy habits and practical measures to reduce your risk of getting sick. Here are some strategies to bear in mind:

• Maintain good hygiene by regularly washing your hands with soap, catching any sneezes, and avoiding a fiery cough. When possible, use hand sanitizer to clean your hands and use cleaning wipes for surfaces after use.
• Get Vaccinated: If you are eligible to receive a flu vaccine, ensure you get your vaccination, as some rarer forms of influenza can cause meningitis. Ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations, including MMR and MenACWY. Contact your GP or a pharmacist to schedule MenACWY if you’re unsure and under the age of 25. 
• Get plenty of sleep: you are bound to be worn out at university, especially during Freshers’ fortnight. Being worn out will lead to a weakened immune system. Try to go to sleep at a reasonable time, do not feel bad about naps, and know where your limit is. 

Meningitis is a rare but potential aspect of freshmen’s lives. While you are unlikely to catch a copy of it, make sure you are prepared and up to date on your vaccinations. Enjoy the upcoming year, make new friends, and have new experiences.Just make sure you’re staying safe.