Law Firm Backs Meningitis Now’s Student Awareness Campaign With Quiz And Competition

What is meningitis? What are the symptoms confused with? Why are students more likely to get meningitis? 

Law firm Irwin Mitchell encourages students to test their knowledge on killer disease, meningitis, with a quiz and social media competition in support of Meningitis Now’s student awareness week (24-30 October). 

The Meningitest from Irwin Mitchell aims to raise awareness of the disease, which symptoms can be likened to those of ‘Fresher’s Flu.’ 

Meningitis strikes fast and can have many causes, but the two most common are viruses and bacteria. 10% of bacterial cases of meningitis result in death, and one in three who do survive bacterial meningitis are left with after effects, such as severe brain damage, hearing and sight loss.

Meningitis can also occur alongside septicaemia (blood poisoning), which leaves survivors with loss of limbs and scarring. 

After babies, students are the most likely group at risk of contracting meningitis, with 30% of 15-19 year olds carrying the meningococcal bacteria that can cause the illness in the back of their throats. 

Along with increased social interaction and cramped living conditions, this leaves first year university students at particular risk as they come into contact with other students from around the world.

Meningitis Now is a UK charity which offers support and advice for those who have been affected by the disease, and are encouraging students to learn the symptoms and get vaccinated. 

Irwin Mitchell lawyers have been attending university fresher’s fairs across the country along with Meningitis Now to raise awareness of the disease to students. 

The Meningitest quiz will be shared on Irwin Mitchell’s social media channels including Twitter and Facebook, and once students have completed the quiz, they can enter a competition for the chance to win £100 Topshop or Topman vouchers.

Alison Eddy, medical negligence expert at Irwin Mitchell, said:

Expert Opinion

“Meningitis can strike quickly, but it is often misdiagnosed because of its similar symptoms to flu. Sadly some of our clients now live with after effects such as brain damage, which has dramatically transformed their lives.

“We’re proud to support Meningitis Now’s campaign to encourage students to learn the facts about the killer disease and to get vaccinated. Our quiz allows students to test their knowledge in a digestible way that they can then share with their friends to spread awareness of the disease.”
Alison Eddy - Partner

You can test your knowledge on meningitis by completing Meningitest here.