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The Conversation
Fran Ludwig, Associate Head, Biosciences and Chemistry,, Sheffield Hallam University

Meningitis at university: why students are at higher risk and what to watch for

Close contact, shared accommodation and nights out help meningococcal bacteria spread quickly among new university students. Xavier Lorenzo/Shutterstock

Freshers’ week is designed to bring new students together. But the same close contact that helps friendships form can also help infections spread.

Most cases of so-called “freshers’ flu” are relatively mild. Meningococcal disease is different. Although rare, it can develop rapidly and become life-threatening within hours.

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