Health officials are warning incoming students in York to get their ACWY (meningitis) jab to prevent the spread of the disease as Freshers’ Week takes place.

The UK Health Security Agency is pushing for new students to get their vaccines. Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said: “Universities can be hotspots for the spread of diseases such as meningitis,” and making sure vaccines are up-to-date could “save your life.”

Freshers’ Week is the beginning of a student’s university experience. People from all around the country come together for the first time during this week. It is a time for new students to make new friends and get to know each other better. However, Freshers’ Week can be a common cause for the spread of sickness.

During Freshers’ Week there are many different bugs that are spread around between students. Common ones include colds and strep throat. The common illnesses that are spread between students has been coined ‘Freshers’ Flu.’ Whilst meningitis is uncommon it is important to distinguish the difference with a common case of Freshers’ Flu and the often times deadly disease.

In York, the Occupational Health department said: “The best way to prevent meningitis is to get the ACWY jab which reduces the risk of contraction.”

Meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Some distinctive symptoms that are important to look out for are a stiff neck, seizures and sensitivity around bright lights. In some cases, meningitis can be fatal if not treated correctly.

As students come flooding into York for the first time, they often visit breeding grounds for illnesses such as meningitis. From living in halls to going out to clubs for Freshers’ events, Freshers’ Week is an easy way for people to spread germs.

The best way to prevent the spread of the disease is to get vaccinated. If people get vaccinated it reduces the risk of infection massively and people can still go out enjoy Freshers’ Week. Students can get vaccinated at any of the five York Medical Group centers – more information here.