The NHS offers free routine vaccinations, so make sure you're up to date. If you're not sure on your vaccination history, speak check with your GP practice to make sure you are up to date with any of the following routine vaccines:

• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine
• MenACWY vaccine (protecting against 4 types of meningococcal disease)
• HPV vaccine for female students, protecting against cervical and other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) together with genital warts
• HPV vaccine for male students who would be routinely eligible if born on or after 1 September 2006
• Td/IPV booster vaccine protecting against diphtheria, tetanus and polio

Make sure you're familiar with the following symptoms so that you know what to look out for. If you, or someone you know, presents with any of these symptoms, please contact NHS 111 or your doctor. In a medical emergency, call 999.

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that can cause painful symptoms. Mumps is usually recognised by the painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears. However more general symptoms often develop a few days before the face swells.

These can include:

• earache
• joint pain
• feeling sick
• dry mouth
• mild abdominal pain
• feeling tired
• loss of appetite
• a high temperature(fever) of 38°C(100.4°F), or above

The best way to protect against mumps is have two doses of the MMR vaccine. It is never too late to get the vaccine and there are no risks to health if an extra dose is given.

Anyone with symptoms should stay away from others and remain at home until 5 days after the swelling started.

If you are worried about any symptoms, contact NHS 111 or your doctor. In a medical emergency telephone 999.

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Measles

Measles is very infectious, it can cause serious complications and, in rare cases, can be fatal. Measles can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions.

Measles starts with cold-like symptoms and sore red eyes followed by a high temperature and a red-brown blotchy rash. If you experience these symptoms, call NHS 111.

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Meningococcal disease

Meningitis and septicaemia can develop suddenly and progress very quickly resulting in life changing disabilities and ongoing health problems.

Meningococcal disease can be difficult to diagnose because it can be confused with other infections.

Symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia include:

• fever and/or vomiting
• fast breathing or breathlessness
• aching muscles, joints and limbs
• seizures, pale or mottled skin
• a stiffneck
• severe headache
• aversion to bright light
• lethargic
• vacant, confused or delirious
• a blotchy rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it

Symptoms vary and can occur in any order, and not everyone gets every symptom.

The MenACWY vaccine is available free to any student who has not already had the vaccine up until their 25th birthday, including international students.

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Reducing the spread of infection

Here are some simple ways to reduce the spread of infection:

• making sure you are up to date with vaccinations
• letting fresh air in if meeting others indoors
• washing your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food
• covering your coughs and sneezes
• Face masks can still be used in all crowded settings

Accessing healthcare

NHS guidance strongly advises patients to register with a practice close to where you spend most of the year, which will be your university address. As a student you can register at the University of Nottingham Health Service on University Park campus. There you can access NHS primary care and GP services, including vaccinations.