Outbreaks of infections do occur in universities and college settings. Infections can spread quickly due to close living arrangements and being part of new larger social circles.
Some important vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine-preventable diseases are detailed below.
For those which are vaccine-preventable, you are likely to have received vaccines as a child, but if you are unsure if you have been vaccinated consult your GP as soon as possible.
You should be aware of these infections and their signs and symptoms. If you are unwell, it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible. For some infections, you should not attend university or other social gatherings until the infection has cleared and you are no longer infectious. Your GP will advise you.
It is important to register with a GP near to where you now live. That way you can access and receive emergency and NHS care quickly and easily should you need it while you’re at university.
Measles, mumps and rubella
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious viral illnesses, spread by droplets from the saliva of an infected person.
Symptoms and complications:
- Measles can cause fever, coughing and distinctive red-brown spots on the skin. Complications include pneumonia and brain inflammation. Measles can be very serious for pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.
- Mumps can cause headache, fever and swelling of the salivary glands. Complications include swelling of the ovaries or testes. The majority of cases of mumps are young people aged 15 - 24 years.
- Rubella (German measles) can cause rash and swollen glands around the ears and the back of your head. Rubella is usually a mild infectious disease, although it can have serious consequences for the unborn children of pregnant women.
Protect yourself against measles, mumps and rubella
Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provide excellent protection against each disease. If you are unsure whether you have had two doses of MMR vaccine, book an appointment with your GP or practice nurse.
Pregnant women who have been in contact with someone who has rubella or measles should contact their GP or midwife for further advice.
If you suspect you have any of these infections:
- contact your GP surgery
- avoid contact with people socially and at university
- avoid contact with pregnant women
You can get further information about the MMR vaccine on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on MMR.
Meningitis (and invasive meningococcal disease)
Meningitis is an illness causing inflammation of the linings of the brain and spinal cord. Viruses, bacteria and other agents can cause meningitis. This is a serious illness and needs urgent medical treatment.
The most common cause of meningitis and invasive meningococcal disease is the meningococcus bacteria. Around 20-30% of the population carry the meningococcus bacteria in their nose and throat without knowing it or causing them any harm. We can pick up this bacteria if we have very close prolonged contact (e.g. living in the same house or mouth kissing) with someone carrying the bacteria.
Symptoms develop suddenly and can include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C or above
- vomiting
- a headache
- a stiff neck
- a dislike of bright lights
- drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- seizures (fits)
- a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this doesn’t always develop)
Not all of these symptoms may be present, but if you suspect you or one of your friends has meningitis then get medical help immediately.
You can get further information. about meningitis on the NHS and Meningitis NowGo to the NHS website about meningitis websites.
Protect yourself against meningitis
Vaccinations offer some protection against types of meningitis and invasive meningococcal disease. The meningitis ACWY vaccine is offered to teenagers and "fresher" students attending higher education for the first time. If you are unsure if you have received this vaccination, contact your GP surgery.
You can get further information about the meningitis ACWY vaccine on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on meningitis vaccine.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
It usually affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB is only infectious to other people if it affects the lungs or throat.
Contact your GP if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- a cough lasting more than three weeks
- loss of weight for no obvious reason
- fever
- heavy night sweats
- fatigue - a general and unusual sense of tiredness and being unwell
- loss of appetite
If you have recently arrived in the UK, you may have received TB screening prior to your travel. Even if you were given the all clear, you must contact a doctor as soon as possible if you experience these signs and symptoms. Being diagnosed with TB or any other infectious disease will not affect your visa, and you will not be asked about your immigration status at the TB clinic.
Early diagnosis and treatment is very important to help ensure you recover quickly. TB is curable with antibiotics; these are usually taken for at least six months.
You can get more information about TB on the NHSGo to the NHS website page on TB and TB Alert websites.
Sexual health
Many people do not get symptoms with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you think you may have an STI, go to your GP or local sexual health or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic. Most STIs can be successfully treated, so it’s important to get any symptoms checked as soon as possible.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are the most common STI among young people. Testing for chlamydia involves a simple urine test, and, if positive, chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. Further information about getting a Chlamydia test is provided on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on chlamydia/span>.
There are different ways to test for gonorrhoea. In many cases, a swab will be used to remove a sample for testing, although men may only be asked to provide a urine sample. Gonorrhoea is usually treated with antibiotics.
You can get more information about STIs, including other common types and symptoms, on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on STIs.
Safe sex
Find out whether your sex life is safe by taking a self-assessment on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on safe sex.
Generally, if you are sexually active, the best way to reduce your risk of getting an STI is to always use a condom.
If you think you have had unsafe sex or could have an STI, it is important to get yourself tested and vaccinated against the following infections at your nearest sexual health clinic. Available vaccinations include:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
For free condoms, STI tests and sexual health advice, please see the links below.
- Come Correct – The Come Correct (or C-Card) scheme provides access to free condoms in a variety of locations (called Outlets) across London
- Find a sexual health clinic – NHS
- Find free condoms services – NHS
- Find STI testing and treatment services – NHS
- Sexual Health London
Seasonal influenza (flu)
Flu is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by various flu viruses that change slightly each year. The illness spreads rapidly from person to person via droplets.
Symptoms include headache, aching muscles and joints, fever, cough, and sore throat.
If you suspect you have flu and feel unwell, you can get further advice on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on flu.
It is important that you stay away from university and avoid mixing with friends until you have been symptom free for 72 hours.
The seasonal flu vaccine is free of charge each year to risk groups; they include:
- people who have asthma and take inhaled steroids
- people with a serious long-term condition for example kidney, heart or lung disease
- pregnant women
- people aged 65 years and over
If you are in one of these risk groups, it is important for you to have the flu vaccine - consult your GP. You can find out more about the flu vaccine on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on flu vaccine.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some may become seriously ill and require medical attention (World Health Organisation, 2023).
If you think you have COVID-19, please refer to the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on COVID-19 for guidance on symptoms, treatment and how to avoid spreading it.
Diarrhoea and vomiting
There are many viral and bacterial causes of diarrhoea and vomiting (D&V) including Norovirus, Salmonella and Campylobacter.
You can get more advice on treating D&V on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on diarrhoea and vomiting.
You should stay away from university for at least 48 hours after all symptoms have stopped.
Travel health
Before booking a trip abroad, it is important to be aware of the communicable diseases associated with your destination and the actions you can take to reduce the risk of infection. Some diseases are preventable through vaccination, medication (e.g. Malaria Prophylaxis) and basic precautions such as hand washing, food hygiene and drinking safe water (bottled or treated).
Always try to visit your GP or travel clinic at least six weeks before you travel so that your vaccinations have time to work before you go.
You can get further travel health information on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHSGo to the NHS website page on travel health websites.
General student health information
Find out about student health services at the University of Westminster
More advice on student health issues, including registering with a GP, vaccinations and the Disabled Students' Allowance can be accessed on the NHS websiteGo to the NHS website page on student health.