A student in Canterbury shared her experience of being hospitalized for two days due to suspected meningitis. Ranya, a 21-year-old third-year student studying accountancy and finance, initially mistook her symptoms for the flu or a cough. Concerned friends advised her to seek medical help, leading her to receive antibiotics at the university. Upon arrival, university staff noticed her deteriorating health and suggested she contact emergency services.
Ranya described experiencing severe neck pains, headaches, and sensitivity to light, prompting her to call emergency services. Subsequently, a doctor dispatched an ambulance to her location, and she was taken to Ashford Hospital. Despite undergoing various tests, including blood tests, doctors initially struggled to diagnose whether she had meningitis or another infection.
Reflecting on her time at the hospital, Ranya mentioned the overcrowded conditions and the distressing scenes of fellow patients in pain. Following her discharge, she highlighted the importance of taking precautions and the need for students to adhere to safety measures, especially in shared spaces like the university library.
The campus, typically bustling with student activities, appeared deserted as students queued to receive antibiotics. Another student, Ayo Kehinde, emphasized the importance of preventive measures and staying vigilant during the outbreak. He mentioned rumors of vaccines becoming available soon, expressing relief at the prospect.
A University of Kent spokesperson confirmed the initiation of a targeted vaccine program for all students residing on the Canterbury campus. This proactive measure aims to safeguard students and staff during this challenging period of uncertainty.
