Student unions are being sent information packs explaining how to spot the signs of meningitis and septicaemia, it emerged today.

The packs, put together by the Department of Health in collaboration with the Meningitis Research Foundation and the Meningitis Trust, contain flyers, posters and postcards highlighting the symptoms of both potentially life threatening diseases, along with details of where to get help. The information is being sent to all student welfare officers in the UK.

Students are the second highest risk group for meningitis, which causes inflammation of the lining of the brain. Research has shown that up to a quarter of students and young people carry the bacteria that cause the disease, compared to one in 10 of the general population. Living together in halls of residence and high levels of casual intimacy, especially during freshers' week, put students at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

There were around 3,000 cases of meningitis and septicaemia in the UK last year, resulting in some 300 deaths. The majority of deaths are due to septicaemia, which occurs when meningitis-causing bacteria enter the bloodstream, leading to blood poisoning. There are several types of meningitis and although a routine vaccine has been available for meningitis C since 1999, there is no way of preventing meningitis B, the most common form of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

Universities are being encouraged to ensure students are aware of the symptoms, which include fever, headache, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, drowsiness and a rash that does not fade when pressure is applied. Students are being urged to seek medical help as soon as they become concerned and not to wait for a rash to develop, as this is a sign of septicaemia and may not appear with meningitis.

The chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, Denise Vaughan, said: "Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which can kill in hours. It is important that [students] are aware of the symptoms and know what to do if they suspect someone is ill. Knowing the symptoms saves lives."

The chief medical officer for the Department of Health, Sir Liam Donaldson, added: "Many students wrongly believe that they are protected against meningitis if they have had the meningitis C vaccination. What they fail to realise, though, is that there are many different types of meningitis, so while the meningitis C vaccination will protect them against one of the organisms that can cause the disease, it doesn't cover them against all types."