Team Alexis Rose encompasses hundreds of people throughout Scotland, and beyond, who raise vital funds for Meningitis Now as well as priceless and lifesaving awareness of meningitis. Together they keep alive the memory of founder Alan and Ruth Glynn’s young daughter Alexis Rose, who died from meningitis in 2011.
It’s really important that everyone is aware of the signs of meningitis because it can affect anyone at any age. Teenagers and young people are at an increased risk because they are more likely to be carrying the bacteria that cause meningitis in the back of their nose and throats. Up to 1 in 4 people in the age group carry meningitis-causing bacteria, compared with 1 in 10 in the general population.
Meningococcal meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be fatal and can kill within 24 hours. Its early symptoms can be mistaken for the flu or even a hangover, so it’s vital for students to know when to seek urgent medical help if they suspect meningitis.
In working with Stirling University's Sports Union, Team Alexis Rose are encouraging young people to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and seek urgent medical help if someone is ill and getting worse.
You can read some of the facts Stirling Sports Union plan on sharing for 12 days in December below:
- Meningitis can kill and can also result in life-changing after-effects including limb loss, hearing loss, sight loss and acquired brain injury.
- The only way to prevent meningitis is through vaccination. So it’s vital to make sure you’ve had your meningitis jab before going to university. The MenACWY vaccine is free for eligible young people, but it doesn’t protect against all forms of meningitis. Most young people in the UK should have had the MenACWY vaccine at secondary school. It protects against four types of meningitis – MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY. However, you may have missed this vaccine – you can check whether you’ve had it by contacting your GP or checking the NHS app.
- Meningitis is often associated with a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure – but this is often one of the last symptoms to appear and does not appear at all in all cases. Don’t wait for the rash – if someone is ill and getting worse, seek urgent medical help.
Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, dislike of bright lights, and a stiff neck. In cases of septicaemia (which can occur simultaneously), a rash that does not fade under pressure may also appear.
For more information and resources for students, young people, carers and universities please visit our Students and Universities pages.
If you have been affected by meningitis, contact the Meningitis Now nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org.
Thank you Team Alexis Rose and Stirling Sports Union for helping spread awareness.
You can support Team Alexis Rose’s incredible fundraising and their raising awareness by donating to their Forever Fund page here.
