The Seahawk

Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Chris Carlton

Inside Meningitis, Click to Enlarge


Each year, 100 to 125 individuals are infected with meningococcal disease on college campuses. About five to 15 die as a result. Despite these statistics given by the UNCW Student Health Services, the meningitis vaccine is not a required immunization for incoming freshmen at UNCW.

Meningitis is an infection of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord. While the viral strain is most common, it is the bacterial form of meningitis that is most fatal, typically causing severe brain damage and even death. The bacterial strain, meningococcal meningitis, occurs most frequently in the late winter to early spring. The viral strain is more common in late summer to early fall.

The disease is difficult to diagnose because it has flu-like symptoms -- stiff and painful neck, fever, headaches, vomiting and exhaustion.

The meningitis vaccination is effective 85-100 percent of the time against the more common strains; however, other factors such as genetics, gender, crowded living conditions, poor overall health and history of meningitis all increase the risk of being infected.

Although universities in North Carolina are only required to supply the information to students, it is highly recommended that all incoming freshmen receive the vaccination.

Healthy habits such as hand washing, not sharing food or drinks and getting a substantial amount of sleep will decrease chances of infection; however, the most effective measure is to receive the vaccine, according to Dr. Peter Meyer, the medical director at the UNCW Health Center.

In addition, students should be aware of their increased susceptibility to other common illnesses on campus. The four most common illnesses for students are upper respiratory infections and colds, throat infection (pharyngitis), sinusitis and bronchitis.

Graham Hall resident Jenna Rody said, "One of the girls at sorority recruitment got strep throat from staying up so late and not getting enough sleep."

She also agrees with the notion that students should receive an adequate amount of sleep, keep good hygiene habits and not drinking or eating after others.

"The combo of living around many people, stress and bad nutrition tends to cause most sickness in college students," Rody said.

The UNCW Health Center offers the vaccination for $95. The Student Health Center is located on the second floor of Westside Hall.

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