STUDENTS in Bolton are being urged to spot the signs of meningitis — and not to confuse symptoms with a hangover or freshers’ flu.

Charity Meningitis UK is offering parents and new students at college and university potentially life-saving symptoms cards.

The charity is also appealing to students to ensure they are up to date with their meningitis vaccinations and to book an appointment with their doctor if they are not.

It warns meningitis cases peak in winter months where germs easily spread by students living in close confines or kissing so people need to be extra vigilant in spotting the signs.

Teenagers and those up to the age of 24 are the second most at-risk group from the killer bug, behind children under five.

As many as 90 per cent of all new students will fall ill during the first few weeks of term, displaying symptoms including fever, sore throat and severe headache.

Meningitis UK’s chief executive Steve Dayman said: “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to tell someone if you’re feeling rough and to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis. The first few months of university are a key time for people to be alert.”

Classic meningitis symptoms in adults are a headache, stiff neck and a dislike of bright light. Symptoms that may exist with meningococcal septicaemia – the blood poisoning form - include aching limbs, cold hands and feet and a rash which starts like pin prick marks and develops rapidly into purple bruising.

For a symptoms pack and further information, call Meningitis UK on 0117 947 63 20 or visit www.meningitisUK.org