We are on a mission to arm young people with the knowledge they need to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and save lives.
Our new student awareness film, which highlights the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of meningitis and getting help, will be distributed to students this autumn as part of our student campaign 2025.
The film features 18-year-old Eliana, from Bromley in Kent, who was in her first year at university when she fell ill with bacterial meningitis. It’s thanks to the quick thinking of her flatmates, Sam and Maya, that she got the help she needed and has made a good recovery.
The friends found Eliana seriously unwell in her halls of residence and immediately phoned her parents who contacted campus security. They realised the severity of Eliana’s condition and took her straight to hospital.
Eliana had developed a rash and was hallucinating by the time she got to hospital. She was sent to ICU and given three different drugs to tackle possible types of meningitis before results showed she had MenB, the most common form of meningitis in students.
Good recovery
Fortunately, Eliana has made a good recovery though she still manages after-effects of meningitis like fluid around her heart and concentration problems.
Eliana says; “Understanding the signs and symptoms of meningitis could potentially be lifesaving, especially in the context of university life in student accommodation.
“I am eternally grateful for my parents and flatmates and all the doctors and nurses that helped me, as I might possibly not be here without them.”
Latest figures show that the total number of cases of bacterial meningitis has risen since the same period (Jan-March) last year. MenB accounted for over 80% of cases, with 20% occurring in the 15-24 year old age group.
Fast action
We hear stories every week where the fast action of friends and family saved young people’s lives. 15-24 year olds, especially those starting university, are particularly at risk of contracting the disease, which can kill within hours.
Chief Executive Dr Tom Nutt said; “It is vital that young people know what to do in a meningitis emergency – but vaccination is the only way to prevent meningitis.”
“MenB is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in young people in the UK, and latest figures show cases are on the rise. Despite this, young people are not currently offered the lifesaving MenB vaccine – leaving thousands unprotected.”
Our ongoing campaign, No Plan B for MenB, continues to highlight the importance of making vaccinations more widely available for those most at risk. Get involved by signing the campaign petition.
Eliana will feature in our annual Radio Day this year, as part of the student campaign, with interviews being broadcast across many radio platforms on Tuesday 19th August.
