Health chief warns freshers against ignoring meningitis symptoms
North Northamptonshire's Director of Public Health shares health advice as students start university
As Freshers' Week comes to an end, students are being urged to look out for one another and not dismiss potentially serious symptoms as simply "freshers' flu".
Thousands of new students have arrived at the University of Northampton this week, bringing with them the annual spike in coughs, colds and other seasonal illnesses often associated with the start of university life.
North Northamptonshire's Director of Public Health, Jane Bethea, said it was common for students to become unwell after arriving on campus, but warned that some symptoms should never be ignored.
She said headaches, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light and certain types of rash could be signs of something more serious, including meningitis.
"The beginning of the academic year is often a time when people are absolutely full of cold," she said.
"But if somebody has a really significant headache, starts to get a stiff neck, has an aversion to light, or develops a rash, they should seek medical help urgently."
Bethea highlighted the importance of spotting signs of meningitis, including the rash often associated with the illness, which does not fade when pressed with a glass.
However, she stressed that not every case of meningitis causes a rash, meaning students should remain vigilant for other symptoms.
She encouraged students to seek advice if they were concerned about their own health or that of a friend, whether through university services, NHS 111 or healthcare professionals.
"If in doubt, ask," she said. "Students are really good at looking out for each other. Keep an eye on your friends and, if you're worried about someone who isn't improving, it's better to seek help."
According to Gov.uk 'Freshers' flu' is a common name for a collection of cold viruses that typically spread rapidly when students arrive at university.
Anyone needing urgent health guidance can contact NHS 111, while life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 999.