Health
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Freshers' Flu? Young Women Face Meningitis Reality
It’s that time of year again, isn't it? Freshers’ week, a heady mix of new beginnings, late nights, and, let’s be honest, a general feeling of being a bit run down. We’ve all probably dismissed a headache or a sniffle as “freshers’ flu” at some point. It’s almost a rite of passage. But what if that seemingly harmless fatigue is something far more sinister?
We’ve seen two incredibly brave young women, Ketia Moponda and Lily McGarry, sharing their harrowing experiences, which highlight the devastating reality of meningococcal septicaemia. Both women, just starting out in university life, were struck down by what they initially mistook for mild illnesses. As Ketia describes, arriving at De Montfort University, she thought she had the typical “freshers’ flu,” a sentiment echoed by Lily at Cardiff University. This initial misjudgment, sadly common, had profound consequences.
Ketia’s story, as reported by the BBC, is particularly stark. Within a week of starting university, she was found unconscious in her room, a scene described as looking like “foul play” due to the sheer distress her body was in. She battled meningococcal septicaemia, a severe form of bacterial meningitis, and awoke from a coma to the news that her lower legs and parts of her fingers would need to be amputated. It’s a life-altering reality that’s difficult to comprehend, especially for someone so young, looking forward to a new chapter.
Similarly, Lily, a medical student herself, experienced two cardiac arrests and a three-month coma after her flu-like symptoms turned out to be a symptom of sepsis, with meningococcal septicaemia identified as the cause. The sheer shock of experiencing such a drastic turn of events, especially when you feel invincible in your youth, is something Lily touches on. It’s a stark reminder that serious conditions don’t discriminate based on age or perceived health.
These stories, while incredibly sad, are also powerful testaments to resilience. Both Ketia and Lily are now using their platforms to raise awareness and inspire others. Ketia’s determination to show that disability “does not limit ambition, beauty, or confidence” is truly inspiring. She wants to normalize the presence of amputees, a goal that feels both necessary and achievable. Lily, too, is already looking towards the future, contemplating how she can return to an active sporting life despite her amputations. Their positive outlook, even in the face of such immense challenges, is remarkable.
As more students head off to university this month, the trending topic of meningitis couldn’t be more relevant. It’s crucial to heed the advice from these women and organizations like the NHS: register with a GP, get vaccinated if you haven't already, and crucially, don't dismiss symptoms. As Ketia wisely warns, “Don't mistake everything for a common cold.” Trust your instincts; if something feels seriously wrong, seek medical attention immediately. These illnesses can progress incredibly quickly. What can we, as a community, do to ensure this vital awareness continues to reach every student and their families?
We’ve seen two incredibly brave young women, Ketia Moponda and Lily McGarry, sharing their harrowing experiences, which highlight the devastating reality of meningococcal septicaemia. Both women, just starting out in university life, were struck down by what they initially mistook for mild illnesses. As Ketia describes, arriving at De Montfort University, she thought she had the typical “freshers’ flu,” a sentiment echoed by Lily at Cardiff University. This initial misjudgment, sadly common, had profound consequences.
Ketia’s story, as reported by the BBC, is particularly stark. Within a week of starting university, she was found unconscious in her room, a scene described as looking like “foul play” due to the sheer distress her body was in. She battled meningococcal septicaemia, a severe form of bacterial meningitis, and awoke from a coma to the news that her lower legs and parts of her fingers would need to be amputated. It’s a life-altering reality that’s difficult to comprehend, especially for someone so young, looking forward to a new chapter.
Similarly, Lily, a medical student herself, experienced two cardiac arrests and a three-month coma after her flu-like symptoms turned out to be a symptom of sepsis, with meningococcal septicaemia identified as the cause. The sheer shock of experiencing such a drastic turn of events, especially when you feel invincible in your youth, is something Lily touches on. It’s a stark reminder that serious conditions don’t discriminate based on age or perceived health.
These stories, while incredibly sad, are also powerful testaments to resilience. Both Ketia and Lily are now using their platforms to raise awareness and inspire others. Ketia’s determination to show that disability “does not limit ambition, beauty, or confidence” is truly inspiring. She wants to normalize the presence of amputees, a goal that feels both necessary and achievable. Lily, too, is already looking towards the future, contemplating how she can return to an active sporting life despite her amputations. Their positive outlook, even in the face of such immense challenges, is remarkable.
As more students head off to university this month, the trending topic of meningitis couldn’t be more relevant. It’s crucial to heed the advice from these women and organizations like the NHS: register with a GP, get vaccinated if you haven't already, and crucially, don't dismiss symptoms. As Ketia wisely warns, “Don't mistake everything for a common cold.” Trust your instincts; if something feels seriously wrong, seek medical attention immediately. These illnesses can progress incredibly quickly. What can we, as a community, do to ensure this vital awareness continues to reach every student and their families?
