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Phone: 616-331-2435 Fax: 616-331-2440 Campus Health Center 10383 A 42nd Ave. Allendale, MI 49401
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MENINGITIS ON CAMPUS Know Your Risk Learn About Vaccination Certain college students are at increased risk for meningococcal disease, a rare, but potentially fatal, bacterial infection commonly referred to as meningitis. Did you know? Meningococcal disease What are the symptoms of meningococcal disease? making it sometimes difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and confusion. If you notice these symptoms is a bacterial infection that most often leads to meningitis or a condition called meningococcal septicemia, which is an infection of the blood. by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis that are spread person-to-person through the air (usually by sneezing or coughing), through direct contact with an infected person, such as oral contact with shared items like cigarettes or drinking glasses, or though intimate contact, such as kissing. death or permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, or limb amputation.How is meningococcal disease transmitted? than the general college population, due to lifestyle factors, such as crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing personal items. often resemble those of the flu or other mild illnesses with a fever, in yourself, friends, or others you should contact your college health service or local hospital.College students, particularly freshmen who live in residence halls, are more likely to acquire meningococcal desease. How can meningococcal disease be prevented? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College Health Association recommend that all first-year students living in residence halls be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. All other college students under the age of 25 years who wish to reduce their risk for the disease may choose to be vaccinated.Vaccination is safe and effective. Many cases of meningococcal disease can be prevented. It protects against four of the five most common strains (or types) of bacteria that cause meningitis. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of cases in the college age group are caused by strains that are potentially vaccine-preventable. The most commonly reported adverse reactions among adolescents and adults in clinical studies were pain at the injection site, headache, and fatigue. These respond to simple measures (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) and resolve spontaneously within a few days.For More Information Meningitis vaccines ar available at the GVSU Campus Health Center at 10383 A 42nd Ave in the Water Tower Place. Cost is $130.00. Payment can be made at the time of service or may be applied to the tuition bill. A itemized statement will be provided for submission to your insurance company. Call the Campus Health Center with further questions at (616) 331-2435. You also can visit the websites of the American College Health Association, www.acha.org/meningitis, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_meningitis.htm. |
| Last Modified Date: September 10, 2009 | |
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