After the recent tragic case of Ketia Moponda, a student who lost her legs and fingers after thinking her symptoms were just a common cold, we felt it was important to provide a guide for students to understand red flag symptoms. Red flag symptoms are those that require immediate medical attention.
Ketia was only at university for 8 days before she was struck down with what she thought was “freshers’ flu”, but she had actually contracted meningitis.
We know starting university is exciting, and it should be! However, young people living on their own for the first time and spending more time with others should be supported in gaining an understanding of health risks and taking new responsibilities for their own health.
Living in close quarters, sharing kitchens and lecture halls, and socialising in big groups means infections spread more easily. Most illnesses are mild, but some can be life-threatening if not recognised early.
Here are the red flag symptoms every student should know, so they can act quickly if they or a friend becomes unwell.
1. Meningitis & Meningococcal Septicaemia
Meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord) and meningococcal septicaemia (blood poisoning caused by the same bacteria) are among the most urgent medical emergencies students face.
Red flag symptoms include:
- Severe headache that comes on suddenly and feels different from usual
- Stiff neck and pain when moving the head
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Fever with cold hands and feet, aching limbs or joints
- Confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty waking up
- Seizures or fits
- A rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass against it (though the rash may appear late, or not at all)
Act fast: If you suspect meningitis or septicaemia, call 999 immediately. Do not wait to see if it improves.
2. Sepsis
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection and can develop from everyday illnesses, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), chest infections, or even skin infections.
Red flag symptoms include:
- Very high or very low temperature
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Slurred speech, confusion, or acting “not themselves”
- Cold, clammy, or mottled skin
- Severe shivering or muscle pain
Trust your instincts: If someone is deteriorating quickly, treat it as an emergency.
3. Serious Respiratory Infections (e.g., Pneumonia, COVID-19)
Close living conditions facilitate the easy spread of respiratory infections. While most coughs and colds are harmless, pneumonia and other serious illnesses can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Red flag symptoms include:
- Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Cough with blood-stained sputum
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- High fever, sweating at night, or unexplained weight loss
- Sudden shortness of breath/difficulty finishing a sentence
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Red flag symptoms include:
While many STIs are silent, untreated infections can damage fertility or cause long-term health issues.
- Pain when urinating
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Genital sores, ulcers, or blisters
- Pelvic pain or fever after sex
Remember: Regular STI screening protects you and others
5. Red Flag Headaches
Headaches are common at university; late nights, stress, and dehydration are frequent causes. But some headaches signal something more serious.
Red flag features to look out for:
- Sudden, severe headache (“thunderclap headache”) that peaks within seconds
- Headache with fever, neck stiffness, or rash (possible meningitis)
- Headache with vomiting, confusion, or difficulty staying awake
- Headache following a head injury, especially if worsening
- New or unusual headache in someone who doesn’t usually get them
- Headache with vision changes, weakness, or difficulty speaking
- Headache that is progressively getting worse over days or weeks
Act quickly: seek medical advice right away
We don’t want to scare you!
Most of the time, a sore throat or runny nose is nothing to worry about. But knowing the red flag symptoms could save a student’s life, or a friend’s. Share this knowledge and never hesitate to seek medical help if something doesn’t feel right.
