According to the University email the TAMU community received 10/1/07, students will receive antibiotics at no cost if they feel they have been exposed to bacterial meningitis, not a free immunization.

Get your Flu and Meningitis shot on October 3rd and 4th. Locations include MSC, Rec, Wehner, Evans Library!! First 4500 Flu shots free and Meningitis $125!!

From Web MD:

"Meningitis is contagious. The germs that cause it can be passed from one person to another through coughing and sneezing and through close contact."

Incubation period is 2-10 days.

Be considerate and not go to class if you have any symptoms. Your professors will thank you. Be aware for your own sake & to protect others who may be more vulnerable!!

My heart goes out to yet another family who is suffering the repercussions of Bacterial Meningitis. I am one of three families in Cedar Rapids, IA who have lost their children within the past three years to this deadly disease. We knew little about meningitis and were not aware that a vaccine was available to help protect our children. This illness mimics the flu and even fools the doctors into a false diagnosis until it is too late. Our children died within 15 hours of the first "flu-like" symptoms. Families need to be educated on the risks, symptoms and prevention methods. Minutes count so it is crucial to recognize the symptoms and see a doctor at the first signs of infection. Survivors can have long term disabilities such as brain damage, hearing loss, kidney failure, blindness and limb amputations. Adolescents and young adults have an increased risk of contracting this disease due to lifestyle factors. Since the bacteria is spread through air droplets and direct contact with someone who is infected, this age group is more susceptible from sharing items by mouth (water bottles, cigarettes, lip balm, eating utensils, kissing, etc.) Crowded living situations, such as dormitories and sleep away camps, add to the risk. Our children died from a vaccine preventable disease. Parents, please don't wait – vaccinate your children against this life threatening illness. Visit www.nmaus.org for valuable information.