September is the month for new academic years and children starting in new classes, new schools, or even going off to university. It’s particularly poignant for me this year – my youngest is off to Exeter University in mid-September and we’re trying to get all of our ducks in a row in preparation! 

There are quite a few things to consider regarding the health of your offspring whilst they’re working (and playing!) hard – here’s a run-down of useful information.

Most university campuses have their own medical centre and students are encouraged to register there rather than remain registered at their home GP surgery. They can access all of the same services free of charge as they would at this home surgery, and with many now offering telephone or video consultations and the ability to send prescriptions to pharmacies all over the country, your child may be able to maintain their continuity with them throughout the university holidays, too (although if they need to be seen in person, they can use your local GP surgery to receive emergency treatment for up to 14 days and after that will be able to register as a temporary patient if necessary.) 

It’s well known that finding an NHS dentist is a trial, and if they are already registered near their home it may be worth continuing to attend 6 monthly appointments scheduled for periods when they are at home rather than registering in their university town. Emergency dental treatment and advice is available through the 111 service if they need dental services whilst at university.

Students in full time education post-18 can apply for help with healthcare costs based on their low income (as long as they have less than £16,000 in savings – not many students have that!) You can apply for an HC2 certificate online by clicking here.

Meningitis often makes an appearance at this time of year, particularly in young adults going to university from all of the country (or even internationally) potentially carrying the virus or bacteria which cause meningitis, but often not exhibiting symptoms themselves. Freshers Week, where students mix in their thousands, is a great hunting ground for the virus and bacteria, which are passed on through the respiratory system, by coughing, sneezing, or kissing – hence it’s nickname ‘the kissing disease’. There are various vaccinations which protect against some (but not all) strains and those leaving for university for the first time should check they received the MenACWY vaccination during their secondary school years – if not, contact their GP now and request it. It’s free and could save their life.

Meningitis is an infection in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It has the potential to be life-changing and even fatal, with long term effects including loss of limbs, deafness, seizures, vision loss, issues with memory, concentration, co-ordination and balance, learning disabilities and behavioural issues, bone and joint problems and kidney issues. Long term complications are much more likely with bacterial meningitis, which is estimated to cause issues for between one in two and one in three casualties. Preventing the disease is obviously the best option, but catching it early is critical to positive outcomes if it caught. If a student in university halls catches meningitis, the NHS will often provide a precautionary course of antibiotics to other students in the same hall to try to prevent the spread.

Make sure your child is aware of the symptoms of meningitis – and in particular that often the characteristic ‘doesn’t fade underneath a glass’ rash is a late symptom, if it appears at all. Flu-like symptoms, headaches, vomiting, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and cold hands and feet are all symptoms and shouldn’t be discounted as just another bug. Blood tests and lumbar punctures are common diagnostic tools and it’s easily identified if presented to a clinician who tests for it – but it’s often dismissed as just another virus so make sure your child knows to be persistent if they feel really unwell. You can find more information on the NHS website by clicking here or watch this short clip about how serious this can be, including the signs and symptoms.

Has your child been fully vaccinated against MMR and HPV (both doses)? Ask your GP surgery to check if you aren’t sure – these are available free of charge until their 25th birthday if they have missed any during routine immunisations in the early years and at school.

If you child has any kind of physical or mental disability, long term health condition or specific learning difficulty, they may be able to access Disabled Students’ Allowance, which is provided based on individual need rather than income. For more information, click here.

These may well be ignored in the first few weeks, but a quick Google on ‘student recipes’ brings up plenty of ideas for healthy, cheap meal options. Plus, a friendly parental reminder a few weeks into term about lifestyle might be well placed – or may be received as nagging. We can but try!

If you have a child headed for university this season, good luck both to you and to them as you adjust…