Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, and can be viral or bacterial. It is potentially fatal and can also result in severe disabilities. It is vital to ensure early diagnosis to prevent long-term disabilities or injuries. Children and young adults are at high risk of contracting the disease, but the risk increases for young adults when they leave home to go to university. This is partly because the large number of students living in close proximity to each other encourages germs and illness to spread (hence the infamous Fresher’s flu!), which can include germs or illnesses that students haven’t previously come into contact with.
Many of the symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of a cold or a hangover, which can make it difficult to detect. Meningitis Now is working to inform young people about the symptoms of meningitis so that it can be caught early and treated effectively, but also about the preventative measures that can be taken.
A vaccination is freely available from local GPs for first year undergraduate students, under the age of 25. It was encouraging for our staff who attended the Fresher’s Fair to see that most of the students were aware of this, and had already been vaccinated.
Our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team are currently working on behalf of a 16 year old, ‘Master A’, and his family to help obtain the support he needs. ‘Master A’ contracted meningitis when he was a baby but, due to delays in his treatment, he now has severe learning disabilities and will need support throughout his adult life. Our team are working to obtain funding for his lifetime support and needs to ensure that his family are confident that his future is secure, and that he receives the care he both deserves and requires.
For more information
For more information relating to the issues discussed, please contact Sarah Huntbach.
Latest news
Anthony Collins maintains top-tier rankings in The Legal 500 2025 edition
Anthony Collins maintains its position as a top-tier firm in five practice areas in The Legal 500 2025 edition, with 23 lawyers being ranked in the leading partner, leading associate, […]
Wednesday 2 October 2024
Read moreAnthony Collins expands corporate team with new legal director
Joe has over ten years’ experience in supporting dealmaking activity, advising organisations in the health and social care sector such as specialist care, supported living and children’s care. As well […]
Tuesday 1 October 2024
Read moreLatest webinars and podcasts
PODCAST: Who gets the microwave?
The first in a series of podcasts from our matrimonial team begins with the team discussing what happens to pets during divorce and separation.
Friday 16 August 2024
Read morePODCAST: 12.07% holiday accrual is back… But not for everyone!
In the podcast we will outline the new Working Time Regulations legislation in detail, noting when the provisions coming into force, whilst also providing practical examples and guidance for employers across all sectors.
Friday 1 December 2023
Read more