If you're unfamiliar with meningitis, the disease's symptoms manifest like those you'd experience with the flu. Those infected can experience fever, nausea, stiff neck, and a headache — but unlike the flu, meningitis can kill you in just 24 hours. All it takes to prevent it is the vaccine. According to Sally Schoessler, a member of the National Association of School Nurses, only 30 percent of teens are getting the second shot. "Thirty percent is so low," said Lucy. "Our whole goal is to help save someone and use [Pretty Little Liars] to help."
Jamie Schanbaum, a survivor of the disease, worked to pass a mandatory vaccination requirement for college students in her home state of Texas. "When you get meningitis, you're not learning about it in a doctor's office . . . you're in the hospital wondering if you're going to survive." Jamie was in the hospital for seven months and lost both of her legs below the knees as well as her fingers. College students are at the highest risk because normal teen behavior is how you can get infected: sharing drinks, smoking, kissing, and just living in a dorm can expose you to the disease. Learn more about prevention from Voices of Meningitis.
