Sophia's Fight: Meningitis B Survival Story

0:00On March 18, a 19-year-old student named Sophia Spears from Harpenden fought for her life after catching meningitis B just days after her, birthday while studying at the University of Manchester. She spent nearly two weeks in hospital, including time and intensive care, and now she's deaf in her right ear with lasting hip damage from septic arthritis. Quick antibiotics saved her, and she calls herself lucky to survive. At first, Sophia thought it was just neurovirus from typical student nights out, but symptoms hit hard and fast, with vomiting every half hour, high fever, shivering, and sensitivity to light. She texted her mom, who spotted the danger and called an ambulance right away. Her parents were stunned, since they believed she'd had all routine vaccines from school. They didn't know about the private men be shot available for those over 10, as the NHS program started in 2015 only covers young kids. Now the family urges students heading to uni to get informed and protected.

1:00This story hits close after two deaths, from a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent. Health Secretary Westreeding announced targeted vaccinations for students and halls there soon, and he's asking experts to rethink wider eligibility for the jab. meningitis strikes without warning, so watch for rapid worsening symptoms, unlike a flu or hangover, and talk to your doctor early. With uni-term starting, awareness can make all the difference.