As mentioned in…
"The Best Time of Your Life — What you need to know and do to stay healthy"
Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms and is potentially fatal.
What Increases the Risk for Meningitis?
Living in Residence Halls — due to close living quarters. College freshmen living in a residence hall have a moderately higher increased risk.
Sex. Males contract Meningitis more often than females.
Family History. Some people may inherit the likelihood to develop Meningitis if they come in contact with the organisms that can cause the infection. Some people who have had Meningitis are also more likely than others to get it again.
Kissing, sexual contact, or contact with infected blood can pass the organisms from one person to another.
Smoking. Exposure to active and or passive smoke.
Alcohol use and bar patronage.
For other factors that may increase your risk, discuss your medical history with your family doctor or a doctor at the Student Health Clinic.
New Ohio Legislation:
Ohio Legislation now requires that all public and private post-secondary schools shall not permit a student to reside in on-campus housing unless the student (or parent, if student is under 18 years), discloses whether the student has been vaccinated against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis B. This information is requested on YSU housing applications.
NEW Steps to Follow to Get Vaccinated:
1. Prior to the receiving the immunization, the student must go to YSU PC and Info Lab located on the upper level of Kilcawley Center and pay the immunization fee and request a receipt. This is a new payment procedure effective July 1, 2005. Cash or check will be accepted. Credit cards are not accepted. A complete list of immunizations and fees may be found under "Services Provided" in the lefthand menu.
2. After the fee has been paid, call the Student Health Clinic to make an appointment for a vaccination. Appointments are required.
3. On the scheduled appointment date, bring the paid receipt to the Student Health Clinic located on the 1st floor of the Kilcawley Residence Hall.
Call the Student Health Clinic at 330.941.3489 if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.
This information is for nonprofit educational use only. This information is provided as a general overview about meningitis and is not intended to replace the medical advice of a doctor. Always visit a medical professional to discuss YOUR personal health.
